Chris Paul. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Chris Paul makes major announcement about his playing future

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Feb 13, 2026 1:19 PM ET

Chris Paul has played his final NBA game.

The legendary point guard announced Friday that he is retiring after 21 NBA seasons. The announcement came shortly after the Toronto Raptors officially waived Paul.

“This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” Paul wrote. “As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once — most people would be surprised — I don’t have the answer lol!”

Paul also seemingly alluded to his acrimonious split with the Los Angeles Clippers.

“Some will like you and many people won’t. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere,” Paul wrote.

Chris Paul says: “This is it.” pic.twitter.com/GcEJ45nelf
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) February 13, 2026

Paul’s announcement eliminates any chance of him joining a team down the stretch for a possible playoff run. He had already announced before the season that this would be his final NBA campaign, but had intended to see it through with the Clippers. That plan was scuttled in early December, when the Clippers sent him home amid reported locker room issues.

Paul retires as one of the most accomplished players in league history. He was a 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection, primarily with New Orleans and the Clippers. He had a late career resurgence with the Phoenix Suns, where he reached the NBA Finals for the only time in his career. He will retire as one of the best players to never win a championship.

Ultimately, Paul walks away having averaged 16.8 points and 9.2 assists per game in 1,370 career NBA appearances.

Most would argue that Paul had earned the right to go out on his own terms, and this is a very unsatisfying end to his career. However, he struggled to find interested teams after the Clippers sent him home, and it was never entirely clear that he wanted to play elsewhere to begin with.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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