Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers takes a shot against the Charlotte Hornets in a National Basketball Association (NBA) game at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, November 22, 2025. /VCG
Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers takes a shot against the Charlotte Hornets in a National Basketball Association (NBA) game at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, November 22, 2025. /VCG
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul will retire at the end of his 21st NBA season. The 40-year-old signaled the decision through a social media post on Saturday, writing, "What a ride… Still so much left… GRATEFUL for this last one!!"
A 12-time All-Star and nine-time All-Defensive selection, the playmaker nicknamed "CP3" is set to bow out as the league's active leader in assists and steals. He also ranks second all-time in both categories, trailing only Hall of Fame member John Stockton.
The veteran floor general has averaged 16.9 points and 9.2 assists per game, and is one of only two players – along with longtime rival LeBron James – to top both 20,000 points and 10,000 assists.
Paul entered the NBA after being selected as the fourth overall pick by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) in the 2005 draft, following a standout NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) career at Wake Forest University.
He spent six seasons with New Orleans before moving to the Clippers, helping usher in the "Lob City" era alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. He also had stints with the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.
Paul contributed three points, three rebounds and eight assists to help the Clippers beat the Charlotte Hornets 131-116 on the road as reactions to his announcement continued to pour in, becoming the first player in NBA history to exceed 20,000 points, 6,000 rebounds and 12,000 assists in a career.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said Paul's decades-long body of work speaks for itself and noted the meaning of finishing his career in Los Angeles. Backcourt mate James Harden added that Paul's leadership and steady presence have shaped every team he has played for.