Chris Paul has decided to retire from professional basketball after this season, аccording to Shams Charania. The 2005 fourth overall pick now plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, ending a remarkable NBA career.
The all-star playmaker made his NBA debut in 2005 after playing for Wake Forest University. Chris Paul made his debut with the New Orleans team, then known as the New Orleans Hornets. During his rookie season, Chris Paul was named Rookie of the Year, finishing with averages of 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. He fell just one vote short of winning the award unanimously.
Chris Paul transformed the New Orleans now Pelicans from 2005 to 2011, becoming the franchise’s cornerstone. He consistently led the team in assists and steals, earning multiple All-Star selections. Under his leadership, the New Orleans became a regular playoff contender, reaching the Western Conference semifinals in 2008. Paul’s intelligence, playmaking, and leadership elevated both the team’s performance and culture, despite roster limitations.
Breaking: Chris Paul will be retiring after the end of the season, his 21st campaign in the NBA, sources told @ShamsCharania.
— ESPN (@espn) November 22, 2025
Paul is a 12-time All-Star, an 11-time member of All-NBA teams and was named to the league's 75th anniversary team.
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Career beyond New Orleans
In 2011, Chris Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal. However, the NBA vetoed the trade, citing “basketball reasons.” The decision caused widespread controversy and fan outrage. The NBA, who owned the New Orleans at the time, nullified the deal because commissioner David Stern claimed that New Orleans would be better off by keeping Paul. Paul was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Clippers instead.
Chris Paul joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011, immediately turning the team into a contender. Alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, he formed the iconic “Lob City” trio, known for their high-flying alley-oops and fast-paced offense. Under Paul’s leadership, the Clippers made multiple playoff appearances, including reaching the Western Conference semifinals several times. His playmaking, leadership, and synergy with Griffin and Jordan defined an era and elevated the Clippers into perennial playoff competitors.
After stints in Houston and Oklahoma City, Chris Paul was traded to the Phoenix Suns, with whom he reached the NBA Finals for the first time in the 2020–21 season. Chris Paul averaged 21.8 points, 8.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game in that Finals series, making him the second most productive player on his team behind Devin Booker.
After his time with the Phoenix Suns, he played one season each for the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs, before “returning” to the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the 2025-26 season. At the same time, this season will mark the final chapter of the brilliant basketball player’s career.
Future Hall of famer
Chris Paul has been selected to the NBA All-Star team 12 times (All-Star Game MVP in 2013). He was named to the All-NBA First Team four times and to the NBA All-Defensive First Team seven times. Over five seasons, he led the league in assists, and he was the steals leader six times.
Chris Paul has career averages of 16.9 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. He is currently second on the all-time assists list with 12,532 assists and also second on the all-time steals list with 2,727 steals. In both categories, only NBA legend John Stockton ranks ahead of him.
