When Chris Paul walked into the Los Angeles Clippers locker room on November 22, 2025, he didn’t come to talk about stats or schedules. He came to say goodbye. At 40, after 21 seasons, nine All-NBA selections, and a career defined by precision, leadership, and relentless hustle, Paul announced he’ll retire at the end of the 2025-2026 campaign — his second stint with the franchise that once felt like home. The move isn’t just a closing chapter; it’s the quiet end of an era for the modern NBA. He signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal on July 21, 2025, returning to Los Angeles Clippers after a season with the San Antonio Spurs, where he made history by starting every single game in his 20th year — the first player ever to do so.
A Career Built on Consistency, Not Flash
He didn’t dunk like LeBron. He didn’t shoot threes like Curry. But he made everyone around him better. Chris Paul’s brilliance wasn’t in highlight reels. It was in the 11th possession of the fourth quarter, when he’d find the open man with a no-look pass, or when he’d lock down the opposing point guard with a hand in their face, forcing a turnover. He’s the sixth player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career assists — joining Magic Johnson, John Stockton, Jason Kidd, Mark Jackson, and LeBron James. For three straight seasons early in his career, he averaged over 19 points, 10 assists, and 2 steals. That’s not just elite. That’s statistically impossible for most guards to sustain. His 2024-2025 season with the San Antonio Spurs was the ultimate testament to his durability. At 39, he started all 82 games, surpassing John Stockton’s record of 82 starts in his 19th season. He played 31.1 minutes per night, averaging 14.2 points and 8.7 assists. No one else in NBA history has done that at that age. And he did it on a 22-win team — not because he was chasing a ring, but because he wanted to play. That’s Chris Paul.Return to the Clippers: A Full Circle
Paul first arrived in Los Angeles in 2011, traded from the New Orleans Hornets in a blockbuster deal that reshaped the franchise. He led the Clippers to a 10-game winning streak in January 2016 — even with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan sidelined — turning them from a fun team into a real contender. But after a bitter playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors in 2017, he was traded to Houston. He never won a title, but he never stopped trying. His return to the Clippers in 2025 felt like destiny. The team had moved into the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, a state-of-the-art arena that now houses the next generation of stars. Paul, now a mentor, stepped into a locker room with young talents like Terance Mann and Jayson Tatum’s former teammate, Klay Thompson’s successor, and others who looked up to him. He didn’t need to score. He needed to teach.The Legacy: More Than Stats
During a 9-minute, 4-second segment on CBS Sports HQ on November 22, 2025, analyst Ashley Nicole Moss captured the emotional weight of Paul’s announcement: “His impact isn’t just in the box score. It’s in the way he demands excellence — in practice, in film sessions, in the huddle.” Paul’s influence extends beyond the court. He’s been a vocal advocate for player rights, and insiders believe he’ll take a leadership role with the National Basketball Players Association after retirement. His voice carried weight during the 2020 bubble negotiations, and his calm, articulate demeanor made him a natural bridge between players and management. He also redefined the modern point guard — not just as a scorer, but as a conductor. Steph Curry changed how the game is played. But Paul changed how it’s *managed*. He was the guy who held teammates accountable. Who knew when to push, when to pull back, when to say nothing at all.
What Comes Next?
The Clippers will honor Paul with a ceremonial retirement of his No. 3 jersey — likely during the 2026 playoffs. But his influence won’t fade. Young guards like Scoot Henderson and Jalen Williams already mimic his footwork, his pick-and-roll timing, his defensive stance. Coaches across the league study his film like scripture. There’s no guarantee he’ll coach — he’s said he wants to “live a little first.” But if he does, he’ll bring a rare blend of discipline, emotional intelligence, and basketball IQ that’s been missing from too many sidelines.From Wake Forest to the Hall of Fame
Paul’s journey began at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he played just two seasons before declaring for the 2005 draft. Selected fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets, he immediately became the engine of a franchise in need of direction. He turned them into a playoff team by 2008, then carried them through injuries and roster changes for six seasons. His career arc — from New Orleans to Los Angeles, Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, San Antonio, and back to LA — reads like a who’s who of NBA franchises. But his consistency? That’s his own. He never took a season off. Not once.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Chris Paul return to the Clippers for his final season?
Paul returned to the Los Angeles Clippers for emotional and strategic reasons. He had deep ties to the franchise from his 2015-2017 tenure, and the new Intuit Dome offered a modern, fan-friendly environment. More importantly, he wanted to mentor young players and finish his career where he once helped turn a franchise around — not chasing a title, but leaving a legacy.
What records did Chris Paul break in his 20th season?
In the 2024-2025 season with the San Antonio Spurs, Chris Paul became the first player in NBA history to start all 82 games in his 20th season, surpassing John Stockton’s record of 82 starts in his 19th year. He also became the sixth player ever to reach 10,000 career assists, cementing his place among the game’s elite playmakers.
Is Chris Paul a Hall of Fame lock?
Absolutely. With nine All-NBA selections, 12 All-Star appearances, 10 All-Defensive Team nods, and 10,000+ assists, Paul is one of the most decorated point guards ever. His leadership, durability, and impact on winning basketball — even on losing teams — make him a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He’s not just a great player; he’s a blueprint for excellence.
What role might Chris Paul have in the NBA Players Association?
Sources close to the National Basketball Players Association suggest Paul is being groomed for a leadership role, possibly as vice president or director of player relations. His calm demeanor, deep understanding of league operations, and respect from both veterans and rookies make him uniquely qualified to bridge gaps between players, owners, and the commissioner’s office.
Did Chris Paul ever win an NBA championship?
No, Chris Paul never won an NBA championship, despite reaching the Western Conference Finals three times — with the Clippers in 2015, the Rockets in 2018, and the Suns in 2021. His inability to close the deal has been the only blemish on an otherwise flawless career, but many argue that his legacy isn’t defined by rings — it’s defined by the way he elevated every team he played for.
How does Chris Paul compare to other all-time great point guards?
Paul sits just below Magic Johnson and John Stockton in pure playmaking, but surpasses them in defensive impact and longevity. He’s more of a pure floor general than Curry or Westbrook, and more consistent than Kidd or Nash. His combination of assists, steals, and durability over two decades makes him arguably the most complete point guard in NBA history — even without a title.
