Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, a 12-time NBA All-Star, plans to retire following the 2025-26 season, his 21st in the league. The 40-year-old hinted at the decision in a social media post ahead of the Clippers' game against the Charlotte Hornets in his home state of North Carolina. Despite never winning a championship, Paul's legacy as one of the NBA's greatest point guards remains secure.
Chris Paul, drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005 out of Wake Forest, won Rookie of the Year honors in 2006 and quickly established himself as an elite playmaker. Over his career, he has earned 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA honors, and nine All-Defensive team nods, including seven first-team selections. Paul ranks second all-time in assists with 12,532 and steals with 2,727, leading the league in assists five times and steals six times. His career averages stand at 16.9 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, with shooting splits of 46.9% from the field and 36.9% from three-point range. Recently, he became the only player to reach 20,000 points (23,032), 12,000 assists, and 6,000 rebounds.
Paul has played for seven teams: New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers (2011-17 and current), Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs. A two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012) and member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, he served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021. Despite consistent excellence, including top clutch performances across multiple teams, a championship has eluded him, placing him sixth all-time in games played without an NBA title (1,364).
This season, Paul is averaging 2.5 points, 3.3 assists, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 13.7 minutes across 10 games off the bench for the 4-11 Clippers. Ahead of their 131-116 win over the Hornets on November 22, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Paul posted a video montage of his career highlights on social media, captioning it: “Back in NC!!! What a ride…Still so much left…GRATEFUL for this last one!!” In the game, he recorded 3 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue reflected before the game: “I don't want to talk about no one retiring. It's a tough time especially when you put so much work in your life to play this game.” Teammate James Harden praised Paul's impact: “President of the Players Association, on the court having some really good runs with some different teams, just being a really good point guard.” Paul is considered a lock for the Hall of Fame.
