The NBA is losing one of its most legendary floor generals as Chris Paul officially announced his retirement from basketball on Friday.
The news came shortly after the veteran guard was waived by the Toronto Raptors, a team he joined just nine days prior following a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers. Rather than searching for a new home to prolong his stay, Paul took to Instagram to confirm that he is hanging up his sneakers for good.
“This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” Paul wrote. “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.”
Paul’s departure marks the end of a 21-season journey that saw him suit up for seven different franchises, including the Hornets, Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, and Spurs. Throughout his two decades in the league, he earned a reputation as one of the smartest and most competitive players to ever step on the court. He reflected on the lifelong bond he formed with the sport, writing, “It feels really good knowing that I played and treated this game with the utmost respect since the day my dad introduced me to it. It was the very first relationship I ever knew.” He added that for true leaders, “showing up” is often half the battle.
The final season for the 40-year-old was a turbulent one. After signing with the Clippers to be near his family, his role diminished, and he eventually found himself traded to Toronto at the deadline. Paul admitted that the distance from his loved ones during his later years in the league played a major role in his decision to call it quits. “This last season I knew I couldn’t do it unless I was at home with my family,” he explained. “Those six years away were a lot of sacrifice for all of us and I knew that had to come to an end. And now I know wholeheartedly the best teammate I can be is to Jada, Chris II and Cam.”
Paul leaves the NBA as a 12-time All-Star, an 11-time All-NBA selection, and a nine-time All-Defensive team member. He retires ranked second all-time in both career assists and steals, trailing only John Stockton.
While a championship ring eluded him, his impact on the game’s culture and the players’ union, where he served as President for eight years, is undeniable.
As he moves into the next phase of his life, Paul remains at peace with his legacy, noting, “While this chapter of being an ‘NBA player’ is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life.”
View this post on Instagram
