Twelve-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul will retire after the 2025-26 season, he announced Sunday.
Paul, 40, said he intends to play next NBA season, but that it would be his final in the league. He announced his intentions during an interview with Jemele Hill, who asked him how much longer he plans to play.
“At the most a year,” Paul said. “I just finished my 20th NBA season, which is a blessing in itself.”
Paul is currently a free agent after playing last season with the San Antonio Spurs. While it remains unclear where Paul will sign next, he made clear he’s interested in playing in Los Angeles to be closer to his wife and children.
“My wife and my kids are in LA. … I love to play basketball, but I love my kids and my family more,” he said. “That is going to weigh a huge part on my decision on what happens next year.”
Paul previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2011-17. He’s also played for the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and New Orleans Hornets, the latter of which drafted him fourth overall in the 2005 NBA Draft.
For his 20-year NBA career, Paul averages 17 points on 47% shooting, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2 steals in 33.7 minutes across 1,354 games. He ranks second in NBA history in assists (12,499) and steals (2,717), both of which are behind only Utah Jazz legend John Stockton.
“What Chris Paul has been able to do in the NBA for 20 years is nothing short of impressive,” said Tim Bielik, general assignment sports reporter for Cleveland.com. “Easily a top 10 all-time point guard for me. Name something and he could do it at a high level: defend, facilitate, score. That’s what made CP3 special.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our [User Agreement](https://www.advancelocal.com/advancelocalUserAgreement/user-agreement.html) and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our [Privacy Policy.](https://www.advancelocal.com/advancelocalUserAgreement/privacy-policy.html)