Chris Paul, who ranks No. 2 all-time in the NBA for assists and steals, announced his retirement.
Paul shared the news in a lengthy social post on Friday (Feb 13). “This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” he began.
“As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once – most people would be surprised – I don’t have the answer lol! But, mostly I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an ‘NBA player’ is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life. I’ve been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades. It’s crazy even saying that!! Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility. I embraced it all. The good and the bad. As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and is not for the weak. Some will like you and many people won’t. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!!),” he wrote.
Paul dropped the news in the wake of reports that the Toronto Raptors had waived him. On Feb 4, the point guard was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors as part of a multi-team deal ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline earlier this month.
He retires fifth all time in career earnings with $408.2 million, behind LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and James Harden.
The former Wake Forest star, who was drafted fourth overall in 2005, spent 21 seasons in the league, appearing in 1,370 total regular season games and another 149 playoff contests for seven franchises.
Throughout his illustrious career, Paul played for the Hornets, Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, Spurs and Raptors.
He was a 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection, primarily with New Orleans and the Clippers. He had a late career resurgence with the Phoenix Suns, where he reached the NBA Finals for the only time in his career. He will retire as one of the best players to never win a championship.
Ultimately, Paul walks away having averaged 16.8 points and 9.2 assists per game in 1,370 career NBA appearances.
Fellow NBA Stars React
NBA colleagues left supportive messages towards Paul as he embarks on his new journey.
“Point god! It was a pleasure being your teammate. Congrats on a legendary run my man!” Klay Thompson commented on his Instagram post.
“Point God🤞🏾🫡,” Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell noted.
“1 of the all-time greats,” former NBA player Quentin Richardson wrote.
“LEGEND! ✊🏿✨,” former WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike sai