Chris Paul Says 2025/26 Campaign Will Be His Last in the NBA
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LOS ANGELES — Veteran point guard Chris Paul plans to retire when the 2025/26 season ends, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Saturday.
The 40-year-old guard confirmed the decision indirectly on Instagram, posting a montage of career highlights with the caption, “Back in NC!!! What a ride … Still so much left … GRATEFUL for this last one!!” The Los Angeles Clippers face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday in their lone visit to Paul’s home state this year. The North Carolina native starred at Wake Forest before entering the NBA.
Paul had indicated during free agency that he would likely play only one more season. He signed a one-year deal with the Clippers in the summer, and Charania noted at the time that the contract was expected to be the final stop in Paul’s 21-year career.
The fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft is a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, nine-time All-Defensive pick, and the 2005/06 Rookie of the Year. He has led the league in steals six times and in assists five times, and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
After extended stints with New Orleans, the Clippers (2011-17), and Houston, Paul has moved frequently in recent seasons, playing for Phoenix, Golden State, San Antonio, and now returning to Los Angeles. Through 10 games off the bench this year, he is averaging 2.5 points and 3.3 assists in 13.7 minutes while shooting 27.3% from the field.
Paul’s career regular-season totals stand at 16.9 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals across 1,364 games. In 149 postseason appearances, he has averaged 20.0 points, 8.3 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals.
Source: Hoops Rumors
