After a bitter season, Chris Paul makes defining call on NBA future

A turbulent final chapter has led Chris Paul to officially step away from the NBA, bringing the curtain down on a career that will be remembered among the league’s finest.

The 40-year-old announced on February 13 that he is “stepping away from basketball,” days after reports confirmed he had been waived by the Toronto Raptors.

Paul’s exit follows a season that unraveled in unexpected fashion. After rejoining the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year, $3.6 million deal last offseason, the veteran guard had signaled this would be his final campaign. The move was designed to bring him closer to family in Los Angeles after six years away from home.

A season that slipped away

Instead, the farewell tour never materialized. In December, the Clippers stunned the NBA by sending Chris Paul home during a road trip amid early-season struggles. Reports surfaced pointing to internal friction tied to his leadership style, with the organization making clear it intended to move on.

Paul was later dealt to Toronto in a multi-team trade ahead of the 2026 deadline. However, the Raptors waived him shortly after, effectively sealing his NBA fate. If he does not return, his final game will stand as December 1, 2025 — a quiet ending for a future Hall of Famer.

Statistically, the season reflected the downturn. Paul averaged a career-low 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in just 14 minutes per game, a sharp contrast to the elite production that defined his prime.

Family first in final decision

In an emotional Instagram post, Chris Paul explained the motivation behind his decision.

“It's time for me to show up for others and in other ways,” he wrote. “This last season, I knew I couldn't do it unless I was at home with my family.”

The statement underscored a shift in priorities for the 12-time All-Star and longtime face of multiple franchises. While the manner of his departure may lack ceremony, Paul’s resume — defined by leadership, playmaking excellence and postseason battles — secures his legacy.

After a bitter final stretch, Paul’s defining call closes one of the NBA’s most respected careers on his own terms.