Clippers’ Chris Paul says he’s retiring at end of season

Clippers point guard Chris Paul plans to retire at the end of the 2025–26 season, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

Paul hinted over the summer that he had one year left in him, and Charania noted the same when the veteran guard agreed to a one-year deal with the Clippers.

His announcement became official on Saturday.

Paul confirmed the news through an Instagram reel filled with career highlights and the caption, “Back in NC!!! What a ride… Still so much left… GRATEFUL for this last one!!”

The Clippers are in Charlotte for their lone visit this season. Paul grew up in North Carolina and played his college ball at Wake Forest.

The future Hall of Famer is now in his 21st NBA season. A 12-time All-Star, Paul made 11 All-NBA teams, nine All-Defensive teams and led the league in steals six times and assists five times. He won Rookie of the Year in 2006 and was named to the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.

Paul’s role has diminished in recent years as he has moved from Phoenix to Golden State to San Antonio and back to the Clippers, where he starred from 2011 to 2017.

This season, he has played a limited role off the bench, averaging 2.5 points and 3.3 assists on 27 percent shooting in 10 appearances.

For his career, Paul has averaged 16.9 points, 9.2  assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals across more than 1,300 games.

His postseason numbers include 20.0 and 8.3 assists in 149 playoff outings.