Chris Paul, the veteran point guard widely recognized for his incredible contributions to the NBA, has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball. On February 13, 2026, the 40-year-old shared his decision through an emotional Instagram post, expressing a desire to focus on family and other endeavors following reports that the Toronto Raptors had waived him.
Paul, known for his time with multiple franchises, including the Los Angeles Clippers, was part of a multi-team trade that brought him to the Raptors earlier this month. However, his return to the league after signing a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Clippers last offseason took an unexpected turn when he faced diminished playing time and performance issues, averaging a career-low of 2.9 points and 3.3 assists over 14 minutes per game.
Reflecting on his time in the league, Paul’s career boasts impressive achievements as a 12-time NBA All-Star and an 11-time All-NBA selection. He ranks second in all-time assists, a testament to his playmaking ability over his remarkable 21-season career. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, he also had a notable moment in his career when he led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021, although they were ultimately bested by the Milwaukee Bucks.
In his retirement message, Paul acknowledged the challenges of leadership and competition within the league. “Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility,” he wrote. “As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and is not for the weak…my intentions were always sincere.”
While Paul’s departure from the court marks the end of an era, his impact on the game and his community remains significant. As he steps away to embrace new ventures, fans and players alike will remember him not only for his on-court prowess but also for the leadership he provided throughout his storied career.