NBA Legend Chris Paul Announces Retirement After 21 Seasons

The 12-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer is stepping away from the game.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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After being waived by the Toronto Raptors, NBA legend Chris Paul announced his retirement from professional basketball on Instagram, ending a storied 21-year career. Paul, a 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection, played for seven different teams, including the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs.

Why it matters

Chris Paul is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, known for his elite playmaking, defense, and leadership. His retirement marks the end of an era and the departure of a future Hall of Famer from the league.

The details

Paul entered the NBA in 2005 after being selected 4th overall by the New Orleans Hornets. He spent the first six years of his career there before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011, where he formed a dynamic trio with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Paul then played for the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs before returning to the Clippers in the offseason. His final NBA season was cut short when the Raptors waived him after acquiring him in a trade.

  • Chris Paul was selected 4th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA Draft.
  • Paul spent the first 6 years of his career with the Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011.
  • Paul was waived by the Toronto Raptors on February 13, 2026.
  • On February 13, 2026, Paul announced his retirement from the NBA on Instagram.

The players

Chris Paul

A 12-time NBA All-Star and future Hall of Famer, considered one of the greatest point guards in league history.

Blake Griffin

An NBA All-Star who played alongside Chris Paul on the Los Angeles Clippers.

DeAndre Jordan

An NBA center who played alongside Chris Paul and Blake Griffin on the Los Angeles Clippers.

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What they’re saying

“This is it! After over 21 years I'm stepping way from basketball. While this chapter of being an 'NBA player' is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life.”

— Chris Paul (Instagram)

The takeaway

Chris Paul's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the NBA's all-time great point guards. His illustrious career, which spanned over two decades and included 12 All-Star selections, will cement his legacy as a future Hall of Famer and one of the most impactful players of his generation.