Chris Paul Retires After 21 NBA Seasons, Won’t Join New Team

Future Hall of Famer Chris Paul has officially retired from professional basketball, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year journey in the NBA. The 40-year-old point guard confirmed on Friday that he is stepping away from the game immediately following his release by the Toronto Raptors.

In an emotional statement, Paul declared, “This is it!” expressing a mix of gratitude, joy, and reflection as he closes the chapter on a career that spanned more than two decades.

A Career That Spanned Three Decades

From Rising Star to All-Time Great

Paul revealed that after more than 21 years in the league, he felt it was the right moment to walk away. Having spent over half of his life in the NBA, his career stretched across three different decades — an achievement few players can claim.

He described basketball as deeply embedded in his identity, stating that while his time as an “NBA player” has concluded, the sport will forever remain part of his DNA. Paul acknowledged both the highs and lows of his career, emphasizing his passion for competition and leadership.

Leadership, he admitted, is demanding and often misunderstood. Yet throughout his career, he maintained that his intentions were sincere and his commitment to winning never wavered.

A Difficult Final Chapter

Return to the Los Angeles Clippers Ends Early

Paul’s final season did not conclude with a fairytale ending. After rejoining the Los Angeles Clippers during the offseason, he publicly announced that the 2025–26 campaign would be his last.

However, less than two months into the season, the Clippers parted ways with the veteran guard amid reports of internal tension within the locker room. Shortly thereafter, Paul was traded in a three-team salary-related deal that sent him to the Toronto Raptors.

Toronto never required him to report to the team and officially waived him, effectively closing the door on his NBA playing career.

Choosing Retirement Over an Eighth Team

Instead of pursuing an opportunity with an eighth franchise to extend his career, Paul opted to retire. At 40 years old, he decided not to continue amid what had become a frustrating final season.

Paul had hoped to once again contribute to the Clippers organization — a team he helped transform into a perennial playoff contender. Instead, disagreements with the current leadership group marked an unexpected and somewhat sour conclusion to an otherwise legendary career.

Career Without a Ring — But Filled With Greatness

Hall of Fame Resume

Although Paul retires without an NBA championship, his legacy as one of the league’s greatest winners remains intact. His statistical achievements firmly cement his place among basketball’s elite.

Over 21 seasons, Paul accumulated:

• 23,058 points
• 12,552 assists
• 6,006 rebounds
• 2,728 steals
• 1,370 games played

These numbers place him prominently in the NBA record books:

• Second all-time in assists
• Second all-time in steals
• 16th in games played
• 41st in total points

Accolades and Postseason Impact

Paul’s individual honors further highlight his extraordinary impact:

• 12 All-Star selections
• 11 All-NBA team selections
• Nine All-Defensive team selections

While the elusive championship trophy never came, Paul consistently elevated every team he joined. Known widely as the “Point God,” he led five different franchises to the playoffs and reached the postseason 15 times during his career.

Teams often improved immediately after acquiring him — a testament to his leadership, basketball IQ, and competitive drive.

Legacy of a True Competitor

Chris Paul’s retirement marks the end of one of the most influential point guard careers in NBA history. Though he departs without a championship ring, his consistency, leadership, and impact on winning speak volumes.

Few players leave behind such a comprehensive legacy — statistically dominant, individually decorated, and respected league-wide.

As a first-ballot Hall of Famer, Paul will forever be remembered as one of the greatest floor generals the NBA has ever seen.

Conclusion

Chris Paul’s final season may not have ended as he envisioned, but it does little to diminish the magnitude of his accomplishments. Across 21 seasons, he built a career defined by excellence, resilience, and leadership.

Despite retiring without an NBA title, his place among basketball’s all-time greats is unquestionable. His influence on the game — both statistically and culturally — ensures that his legacy will endure long after his final buzzer.

FAQs