The NBA is losing one of the most prominent point guards the game has seen.
On Friday, the veteran Chris Paul took to Instagram to announce his retirement from the NBA. His statement was released shortly after he was officially waived by the Toronto Raptors.
The decision to cut ties with the Raptors before joining them wasn’t a surprise. The ultimate decision to hang it up and call it a career was. A little under one month before the NBA trade deadline was set to go into place, Paul claimed he was staying ready for his next situation. The NBA world now knows that won’t be the case.
Chris Paul’s Official Statement
“This is it. After over 21 years, I’m stepping away from basketball,” Paul wrote on Instagram.
“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 to 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 ingrained in the DNA of my life. I’ve been in the NBA for more than half my life, spanning three decades. It’s crazy, even saying that!! Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility. 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.”
NBA World Reacts to Chris Paul’s Retirement
Donovan Mitchell: Point God
Kobe Brown: God is good, all love C
George Hill: congrats my brotha
Al Horford: Congrats CP!!!!!
Tyrese Maxey: LOVE OG!! Respect
Trae Young: Swet the Blueprint. Legend!
Klay Thompson: Point god ! It was a pleasure being your teammate. Congrats on a legendary run my man !
Matt Barnes: One of the Greatest PG’s the games ever seen. Love you bro
Paul returned to the Los Angeles Clippers for a second stint ahead of the 2025-2026 NBA season.
The veteran guard hoped for a storybook ending, picking up his first championship while living in a town he called home, playing for a franchise that meant so much to him. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned.
Chris Paul appeared in just 16 games for the Clippers this year. He averaged 14 minutes off the bench, shooting 32 percent from the field and producing 2.9 points per game, along with 3.3 assists.
The Clippers sent Paul home during a road trip, making it clear they would cut ties with him, whether it’s through a trade or waiving. Ultimately, Paul was on the Clippers’ roster up until the eve of the trade deadline. He was moved to the Toronto Raptors, but was waived on Friday afternoon.
While continuing to play might’ve been an option, the opportunities likely weren’t ideal enough to convince Paul to finish out his age-40 season. He leaves the game with an incredible resume, which will more than likely send him to the Hall of Fame.
In 21 years, Paul totaled 23,058 points, 12,552 assists, and 6,006 rebounds. He is a 12-time All-Star, with 11 All-NBA nods, and nine All-Defensive nods.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
