NBA Legend Chris Paul Announces Retirement After Tumultuous Final Season

The 12-time All-Star point guard leaves the game after 21 seasons, reflecting on his storied career and challenges in his final year.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:09am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the various stages and challenges of Chris Paul's basketball career, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the highs and lows of his legendary run.The complex, multifaceted legacy of Chris Paul, one of the NBA's all-time great point guards, is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs his storied career.Los Angeles Today

NBA superstar Chris Paul has announced his retirement from professional basketball after 21 seasons in the league. The 12-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the primary reason for his decision, though his final season was marked by struggles on the court and behind-the-scenes friction with his last team, the Toronto Raptors.

Why it matters

Chris Paul is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, known for his elite playmaking, leadership, and impact on and off the court. His retirement marks the end of an era and will leave a significant void in the league, both in terms of talent and influence.

The details

After signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers last offseason, Paul was traded to the Toronto Raptors just before the NBA trade deadline in February 2026. However, his time in Toronto was short-lived, as he was waived by the team just days later. In his retirement announcement on Instagram, Paul cited a desire to spend more time with his family and acknowledged the challenges he faced during his final season, including career-low averages of 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game.

  • Chris Paul announced his retirement on February 13, 2026.
  • Paul was traded to the Toronto Raptors earlier in February 2026, just before the NBA trade deadline.
  • Paul was waived by the Raptors just days after being traded to the team.

The players

Chris Paul

A 12-time NBA All-Star and one of the greatest point guards in league history, who played for 7 different teams over his 21-season career.

Lawrence Frank

The General Manager of the Los Angeles Clippers, who made the decision to part ways with Chris Paul during the 2025-26 season.

Tyronn Lue

The head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, who was involved in the decision to send Chris Paul home during a road trip in December 2025.

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner, who praised Chris Paul's impact on and off the court in his retirement announcement.

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What they’re saying

“Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing, but it also came with great responsibility. I embraced the good and the bad. Leadership is not for the weak, and I learned that some will like you, while many won't. But my intentions were always sincere, and I loved competing.”

— Chris Paul

“Chris Paul retires as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. His leadership extended beyond the court, as he played a vital role in negotiating collective bargaining agreements and guiding the league through challenging times.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

What’s next

The NBA and its fans will now reflect on Chris Paul's incredible legacy and the impact he had on the game of basketball, both on and off the court.

The takeaway

Chris Paul's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the NBA's all-time great players. While his final season was marred by challenges, his overall career achievements and leadership in the league will cement his place as a true basketball legend.