Chris Paul retires from NBA after 21 seasons
chris-paul-retires-after-21-nba-seasons
Inglewood, Calif. — Chris Paul ended his NBA career Friday, confirming on Instagram that his 21st season would be his last. “This is it! After 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” the 40-year-old wrote.
The 12-time All-Star made the announcement on the opening day of All-Star Weekend at the Clippers’ new arena in Inglewood. His decision follows his release by the Toronto Raptors earlier in the day; the Raptors had acquired him from the LA Clippers on Feb. 4 and did not require him to report.
Paul’s résumé includes 11 All-NBA selections, nine All-Defensive honors, the 2006 Rookie of the Year award, two Olympic gold medals and a spot on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. He ranks second in league history with 12,552 assists and 2,728 steals and was the first player to surpass 20,000 points and 10,000 assists, a feat later matched by LeBron James and Russell Westbrook.
Earlier this season, Paul acknowledged missing family events in recent years and hinted that 2025-26 would be his final campaign. “It’s time for me to show up for others and in other ways,” he posted Friday.
The veteran guard departed the Clippers in early December after weeks of reported tension with coach Ty Lue, playing his final NBA game on Dec. 1. Paul enjoyed his most sustained team success with the franchise from 2011-17, guiding Los Angeles to six consecutive winning seasons, two Pacific Division titles and three playoff series victories.
Over two decades, the Wake Forest product suited up for New Orleans, Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Golden State, San Antonio and both Los Angeles clubs. He also served as president of the National Basketball Players Association, helped steer the league through the 2020 pandemic bubble and advocated for stronger ties with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Paul is one of seven players whose NBA tenure reached at least 21 seasons and one of six to surpass $400 million in career earnings. He already entered the Hall of Fame as a member of the 2008 U.S. “Redeem Team,” enshrined in the 2025 class, and is eligible for individual induction in the coming years.
Source: ESPN
