‘This is it’: Chris Paul retires from NBA after 21 seasons

Twelve-time All-Star guard Chris Paul on Friday, February 13 (Saturday, February 14, Manila time), announced his retirement from the NBA after 21 seasons.

Paul, who previously said he’s retiring at the end of the season, publicly made his decision to hang up his sneakers over Instagram.

“This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” Paul, 40, wrote on social media.

“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.”

The Toronto Raptors waived Paul earlier on Friday.

That move was expected after Toronto acquired Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a three-team deal with the Brooklyn Nets at last week’s trade deadline. The trade for Paul, in the eyes of the Raptors, was done for financial reasons.

Signed to a one-year, $3.6 million contract last offseason, Paul rejoined a Clippers franchise with which he spent six seasons from 2011-17. This season, he averaged 2.9 points, 3.3 assists and 1.8 rebounds in 16 games off the bench. He has not played in a game since December 1.

Paul ranks second in NBA history in assists with 12,552 and second in steals with 2,728, trailing only Basketball Hall of Famer John Stockton in both categories.

“After 21 remarkable seasons, Chris Paul retires as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and a true steward of our sport,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

“From the moment he entered the league, Chris distinguished himself with his savvy playmaking skills, elite competitiveness, and intense work ethic. He also poured enormous time and energy into his role as President of the Players Association — offering thoughtful and principled perspectives to strengthen our game and our business. His leadership on behalf of the players was essential in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, helping guide the league through a pandemic, addressing important societal issues, and so much more.”

“On behalf of the NBA, I congratulate Chris on an extraordinary career and thank him for his friendship, partnership, and lasting contributions to our game.”

Paul, then with New Orleans, was named Rookie of the Year in 2006. He is a four-time All-NBA First Team selection, five-time NBA assists champion, and six-time steals champion. A member of seven first-team All-Defensive teams, he also was the MVP of the 2013 All-Star Game.

Paul won Olympic gold medals with the United States in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012 and was named to the NBA’s 75th anniversary team in 2021.

He played with New Orleans for six seasons, then was traded to the Clippers in 2011. He later played for the Houston Rockets (2017-19), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20), Phoenix Suns (2020-23), Golden State Warriors (2023-24), and San Antonio Spurs (2024-25).

Paul has career averages of 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 1,370 games (1,314 starts).

He has not won an NBA title, getting to the Finals only once when his Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. – Rappler.com