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## Chris Paul Announces Retirement After 19 Seasons
Chris Paul shared the news in a lengthy social post on friday (Feb 13).”This is it! After over 19 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” he began.
“As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once – most people would be surprised – I don’t have the answer lol! But, mostly I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an ‘NBA player’ is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life. I’ve been in the NBA for more then half of my life, spanning three decades. It’s crazy even saying that!! Playing basketball for a living has been an amazing blessing that also came with lots of obligation. I embraced it all. The good and the bad. As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and is not for the weak. Some will like you and many people won’t. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!!),” he wrote.
Paul announced his retirement shortly after reports surfaced that the toronto Raptors had waived him. On Feb 4, the point guard was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors as part of a three-team deal involving the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline earlier this month.
He retires fifth all time in career earnings with approximately $408.2 million, behind LeBron james, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and james Harden.
The former Wake Forest star, who was drafted fourth overall in 2005, spent 19 seasons in the league, appearing in 1,366 total regular season games and another 149 playoff contests for seven franchises. (Source: Basketball Reference)
Throughout his illustrious career, Paul played for the Hornets (now Pelicans), Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, and Raptors.
He was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, and a nine-time All-Defensive team selection, primarily achieving recognition with New Orleans and the Clippers. He had a late career resurgence with the Phoenix Suns, where he reached the NBA Finals for the only time in his career in 2021. He will retire as one of the most accomplished players to never win a championship.
Ultimately, Paul walks away having averaged 14.5 points and 9.5 assists per game in 1,366 career NBA appearances. (Source