Chris Paul, the San Antonio Spurs point guard, stunned the NBA with his Chris Paul retirement announcement, declaring the 2025-26 season will be his last, ending a legendary 20-year career.
The 12-time All-Star shared the news during a July 6, 2025, interview with Jemele Hill at the American Black Film Festival, signaling his farewell tour after the Spurs’ 122-117 loss to the LA Clippers.
A Hall of Fame Career Nears Its End
The Chris Paul retirement announcement marks the twilight of a storied career. Drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005, Paul amassed 21,000 points, 11,500 assists, and 2,500 steals, ranking third all-time in assists and fourth in steals, per ESPN. “At most, a year,” Paul told Hill, citing family as a key factor.
Paul’s 2024-25 season with the Spurs saw him start all 82 games, averaging 8.8 points and 7.4 assists, his lowest career totals, per NBA.com.
Yet, his leadership remained vital for young stars like Victor Wembanyama.
Family-Driven Decision
The Chris Paul retirement announcement emphasized family over basketball. “My wife and kids are in LA… I love my family more than I love to play,” he said on the Pat McAfee Show, per Sporting News.
With his children’s input weighing heavily, Paul, turning 41 in May 2026, plans to prioritize family post-retirement.
Posts on X reflect fan sentiment, with some urging him to join the Lakers or Clippers for a title shot, per. Paul’s desire to play near Los Angeles could influence his final team choice.
Contender Interest and Title Pursuit
The Chris Paul retirement announcement has sparked interest from playoff teams.
The Lakers, needing a veteran guard, and the Clippers, where Paul played from 2011-17, are rumored targets, per The Athletic.
Despite never winning an NBA title, Paul’s five assist titles and six steal titles highlight his impact.
His 2024-25 season showed he can still run an offense, with 7.4 assists per game and a 40.1% three-point shooting mark, per NBA.com. Contenders value his playoff experience, with 74 postseason games in his career.
Key Stats from Paul’s Career
- Career Points: 21,000+, across seven teams
- Assists: 11,500+, third all-time
- Steals: 2,500+, fourth all-time
- All-Star Selections: 12, from 2008-2022
- 2024-25 Season: 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, 82 starts
Expert Insight: A Lasting Legacy
NBA analyst Marc Stein commented, “The Chris Paul retirement announcement signals the end of an era.
His ability to elevate teams like the Hornets, Clippers, and Suns ensures his Hall of Fame legacy.”
The Chris Paul retirement announcement underscores his influence, mentoring stars like Devin Booker and Wembanyama, per CBS Sports.
A Farewell Tour in 2025-26
Paul’s Chris Paul retirement announcement sets the stage for a final season with an eighth team, as he’s currently a free agent after a $10.4 million Spurs contract, per Sportskeeda.
His 11 All-NBA Team selections and two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) cement his elite status.
Paul hinted at a Lakers move, noting, “I still love to play basketball,” but emphasized family discussions, per Sporting News.
His leadership shone in San Antonio, where he praised teammate Bismack Biyombo’s selflessness, saying, “Bizzy is unbelievably selfless,” per Andscape. Paul’s mentorship will likely define his final season.
Looking Beyond the Court
The Chris Paul retirement announcement opens doors to post-NBA roles. Paul could pursue coaching, broadcasting, or philanthropy, given his AAU program and memoir, Sixty-One, published in 2023, per Wikipedia.
His Wake Forest jersey retirement and 2021 Hall of Fame induction reflect his broader impact.
Paul’s desire to stay connected to basketball, mentoring young players, was evident in his comments about Carmelo Anthony’s son, Kiyan, per Andscape.
Final Thoughts: Chris Paul Retirement Announcement
The Chris Paul retirement announcement closes a remarkable chapter for one of the NBA’s greatest point guards.
As he plans his final 2025-26 season, Paul’s pursuit of an elusive NBA title could lead him to a contender like the Lakers or Clippers.
His Chris Paul retirement announcement resonates with fans, who admire his 12 All-Star nods and leadership. Will Paul cap his career with a championship? Comment your thoughts below.
Chris Paul pone fecha a su retirada: "Un año más"
— Flashscore.esp (@FlashscoreES) July 7, 2025
Por @pelusa10thb https://t.co/NYUVLRX6n0
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