After 21 seasons, the 12-time NBA All Star will retire from professional basketball.
Los Angeles Clippers guard and Winston-Salem native Chris Paul, widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, plans to retire after the 2025-26 season, according to CBS Sports.
Paul appeared to hint at the move in a social media post Saturday, shared ahead of what could be his final game in his home state of North Carolina as the Clippers take on the Charlotte Hornets.
Paul, drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005 after a standout career at Wake Forest, made an immediate impact and earned Rookie of the Year honors. Over two decades, he has built a résumé that includes 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA honors and nine All-Defensive team nods.
Now 40, Paul was also named to the NBA’s 75 Greatest Players list, reflecting his lasting impact on the game. He holds career averages of 16.9 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals, while shooting 46.9% from the field and 36.9% from three.
Currently in his 21st season, Paul has also spent time with the Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors and Spurs. He is widely expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.