NBA Star Chris Paul Retires, Looks Forward to Being 'Best Teammate' to Wife and 2 Kids

The 12-time All-Star is excited to spend more time with his son Chris Jr. and daughter Camryn after 21 seasons in the NBA.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Retired NBA star Chris Paul announced his retirement on February 13, 2026, after 21 seasons in the league. Paul, who became a dad in 2009 with the birth of his son Chris Jr., is now looking forward to being the "best teammate" to his wife Jada and their two kids, including daughter Camryn who was born in 2012. The basketball player said the last six years of his career involved a lot of "sacrifice" for his family, and he's ready to "show up for others and in other ways" now that he's stepping away from the game.

Why it matters

Chris Paul's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the NBA's most decorated players of the last two decades. As he shifts his focus to his family, Paul's story highlights the challenges professional athletes face in balancing their careers with raising children, as well as the importance of supporting women's basketball and gender equality in sports.

The details

Paul, a 12-time NBA All-Star, announced his retirement on Instagram, writing that it's time for him to "show up for others and in other ways." The 40-year-old said the last six years of his career involved a lot of "sacrifice" for his family, and he's now ready to be the "best teammate" to his wife Jada and their two kids, Chris Jr. and Camryn.

  • Chris Jr. was born in May 2009.
  • Camryn was born in August 2012.
  • Paul announced his retirement on February 13, 2026.

The players

Chris Paul

A 12-time NBA All-Star who played 21 seasons in the league before announcing his retirement in 2026.

Jada Paul

Chris Paul's wife, with whom he has two children.

Christopher Emmanuel Paul II

Chris and Jada's son, born in 2009.

Camryn Alexis Paul

Chris and Jada's daughter, born in 2012.

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What they’re saying

“This last season I knew I couldn't do it unless I was at home with my family. Those six years away were a lot of sacrifice for all of us and I knew that had to come to an end. And I now know wholeheartedly the best teammate I can be is to Jada, Chris II and Cam!!”

— Chris Paul (Instagram)

The takeaway

Chris Paul's retirement after 21 seasons in the NBA marks the end of an era for one of the league's all-time greats. As he shifts his focus to his family, Paul's story serves as a reminder of the challenges professional athletes face in balancing their careers with raising children, as well as the importance of supporting women's basketball and gender equality in sports.