Chris Paul Retires After 21 Seasons: A Legendary Career Comes to a Close
After 21 seasons of orchestrating offenses, locking down guards, and redefining what it means to be a floor general, Chris Paul is officially calling it a career. The 40-year-old has announced his retirement from the NBA, closing the book on one of the most accomplished and respected careers in league history.
The announcement comes just days after Paul was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team deal ahead of the trade deadline. The move, driven largely by financial maneuvering, saw Toronto send Ochai Agbaji to the Brooklyn Nets while the Clippers shaved roughly $7 million off their luxury tax bill.
Paul, on a veteran minimum contract worth $3.63 million, was subsequently waived by the Raptors - a move that signaled the end was near. Now, it’s official.
From High School Star to NBA Icon
Paul’s journey to NBA greatness began long before he set foot on a professional court. A McDonald’s All-American in high school, he went on to play two standout seasons at Wake Forest before declaring for the 2005 NBA Draft. He was selected fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets, and it didn’t take long for him to make his presence felt.
In just his third season, Paul delivered what many consider his finest campaign - the 2007-08 season. He averaged 21.1 points and 11.6 assists per game, leading the Hornets to 56 wins, a Southwest Division title, and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. That team made a deep playoff run before falling to the San Antonio Spurs in the Conference Semifinals, but Paul’s status as an elite point guard was firmly cemented.
A Career Defined by Consistency and Leadership
Paul’s NBA journey took him across the country - from New Orleans to Los Angeles (twice), Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Golden State, San Antonio, and finally Toronto. But no matter the jersey, Paul brought the same trademark qualities: elite court vision, defensive tenacity, and a relentless competitive edge.
He was a 12-time All-Star, earned 11 All-NBA selections, and made nine All-Defensive teams. He led the league in assists five times and steals six times, showcasing his ability to control both ends of the floor. In 2005-06, he was named Rookie of the Year, and over the course of his career, he became the first player in NBA history to notch at least 20,000 points and 10,000 assists - a feat since matched only by LeBron James and Russell Westbrook.
Paul was also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, suiting up for Team USA in 2008 and 2012. In 2021, the NBA recognized his greatness by naming him to the league’s 75th Anniversary Team - a fitting honor for a player who helped define his era.
The Final Numbers
When it’s all said and done, the numbers speak for themselves. Paul played 1,370 games, logging 45,836 minutes.
He scored 23,058 points, handed out 12,552 assists, and racked up 2,728 steals. His shooting splits - 48.4% from the field and 37.3% from three - reflect his efficiency, while his 9.2 assists per game underscore just how consistently he elevated those around him.
Only John Stockton sits above Paul on the all-time assists and steals lists - a testament to the longevity and high-level performance Paul maintained deep into his career.
Hall of Fame Bound
Paul will be eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2030, and there’s no doubt he’ll be a first-ballot selection. His résumé is not just impressive - it’s historic. He’s one of the greatest point guards the game has ever seen, and his influence will be felt for generations.
From the alley-oops in Lob City to the surgical pick-and-rolls in Houston and Phoenix, Chris Paul was the conductor of some of the league’s most memorable offenses. He was never just playing the game - he was mastering it.
Now, as he steps away from the court, he leaves behind a legacy built on leadership, precision, and an unrelenting drive to win. The Point God has spoken - and his place in basketball history is secure.