Chris Paul has announced he has retired from the NBA after 21 seasons in the league. Paul was waived by the Toronto Raptors on Friday ahead of his announcement.
Paul had hoped to continue his NBA career after he was sent home by the Los Angeles Clippers in early December. Paul had announced in November that he would retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
When Paul was informed by the Clippers of their decision to send him home, he had hoped to continue playing for the team.
“This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball.,” wrote Paul. “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. I’ve been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades. It’s crazy even saying that!! Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility. I embraced it all. The good and the bad. As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and is not for the weak. Some will like you and many people won’t. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!!)”
Paul retires as one of the NBA’s 75 Greatest Players as he was a four-time All-NBA First-Team selection, five-time All-NBA Second-Team selection and two-time All-NBA Third-Team selection. Paul won two gold medals and was MVP runner-up in 2008.