Chris Paul is reportedly set to retire from the NBA after a historic 21-year career. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Paul plans to conclude his professional journey at the end of this season.
The Clippers veteran hinted at his impending retirement on social media, expressing gratitude for what he called his “last one” during the team’s visit to Charlotte, North Carolina—his home state where he played college basketball at Wake Forest. Paul previously mentioned at the American Black Film Festival this July that he intended to play “at the most” one more year.
Paul’s NBA debut began when the New Orleans Hornets selected him fourth overall in the 2005 draft. In his rookie season, the team improved by 20 wins, and he earned the Rookie of the Year award. By his third season, the Hornets won 56 games, earning Paul a second-place finish in MVP voting behind Kobe Bryant.
Throughout his career, Paul became a dominant point guard, achieving 12 All-Star appearances, 11 All-NBA selections, and nine All-Defensive team nods. He ranks second all-time in both career assists and steals, trailing only John Stockton. Paul’s longevity is remarkable, with only LeBron James surpassing him in total games played and minutes logged among active players.
One of the most notable episodes in Paul’s career occurred when a league veto stopped his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011 over basketball-related reasons. Shortly after, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he spent six productive seasons, leading the franchise to its best three years by winning percentage and consistent playoff appearances.
Paul’s career also includes successful stints with the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Phoenix Suns—the latter saw him reach the NBA Finals and set a franchise record for wins. Most recently, he signed a one-year deal to return to the Clippers, aiming for an elusive championship before retirement.
Despite a slow start to this season, with averages below his career norms, Paul remains deeply respected for his contributions on and off the court. Observers widely expect his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame when eligible, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.