DOJO – LA Clippers guard Chris Paul has confirmed he will retire at the end of the current NBA season, closing the book on one of the greatest point guard careers in league history. Paul, 40, made the announcement on Saturday as the Clippers traveled to Charlotte — his home state return to North Carolina.
The 12-time All-Star and “Point God” posted a short video and message on social media: “What a ride… Still so much left… GRATEFUL for this last one!!” The post immediately signaled that this season, his 21st, will be his final run in the NBA.
A historic career from New Orleans to LA
Paul entered the league in 2005 as the fourth overall pick out of Wake Forest and quickly became one of the NBA’s dominant floor generals. He averaged 16.9 points and 9.2 assists through his career and is the active leader in both assists and steals.
He and LeBron James remain the only players in NBA history with 20,000+ points and 10,000+ assists, a rare milestone that cements Paul’s place among the all-time elite.
After six years with the New Orleans Hornets, Paul joined the Clippers in 2011 — but only after the NBA famously vetoed a trade that would have sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers. With LA’s other team, he formed the iconic Lob City trio alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, transforming the Clippers from a struggling franchise into a Western Conference contender.
The “Point God” impact across multiple franchises
Paul’s influence traveled across the league. He pushed the Houston Rockets to multiple deep playoff runs with James Harden, helped a young Oklahoma City Thunder roster overachieve in the postseason, and guided the Phoenix Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals.
He later joined Golden State for a season before signing with San Antonio to mentor rookie star Victor Wembanyama. Paul returned to the Clippers this offseason for one final chapter, appearing in 11 games so far in a more limited role and averaging 3.3 assists per game.
Even before Saturday’s matchup against the Hornets, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the emotional weight of a legendary career coming to an end, calling retirement “a tough time” for any athlete.
Tributes from former teammates and rivals
JJ Redick, a former Clippers teammate and now coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, spoke about the deeper personal connection he developed with Paul.
“From hating each other to feeling like he’s part of my family… the game will miss him,” Redick told reporters.
Redick praised Paul’s ability to “squeeze the juice out of every possession” and joked that he hopes Paul does not win a championship now — because it would mean the Clippers win one over the Lakers.
Returning home for one final goodbye
Paul’s retirement tour unofficially began Saturday in Charlotte, where he finished with three points and eight assists in a Clippers win. The night was filled with emotion, nostalgia and appreciation for a player who’s been one of the greatest leaders and competitors of his generation.
As he turns 41 in May, Paul steps away from the court with a résumé that includes:
- 12 All-Star selections
- 11 All-NBA selections
- 9 All-Defensive selections
- 2006 Rookie of the Year
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team honoree
- Olympic gold medalist
The Clippers say he will finish the season before officially retiring.
Chris Paul’s career — defined by precision, leadership and longevity — has already earned him a place in basketball history. Now, he prepares for his final few months in the league that he helped shape for two decades.
