At 40 years old, after two decades of precision passing, clutch leadership, and quiet dominance, Chris Paul has told the world he’s done. On November 22, 2025, the Los Angeles Clippers veteran confirmed he’ll retire at the end of the 2025-2026 NBA season — a decision that sent ripples through the league, fans, and fellow players alike. The announcement, first reported by CBS Sports HQ and aired during a live segment on YouTube, wasn’t a press conference or social media post. It was a quiet, almost inevitable moment — the kind that only legends get to make without fanfare. And now, the final 20 games (or more, if the Clippers make a deep playoff run) aren’t just games. They’re a farewell tour.
The End of an Era
Paul’s career spans nearly every major NBA chapter of the last 20 years. He entered the league in 2005 with the New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans), a scrappy, rebuilding team that suddenly had a heartbeat. By 2011, he’d been traded to the Clippers, where he transformed them from perennial losers into contenders — and gave us the iconic “Lob City” era with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. He moved on to Houston, Oklahoma City, and Phoenix, each stop adding another layer to his legend. But he always came back to LA — signing with the Clippers again in 2023, as if the story wasn’t finished.He’s a nine-time NBA All-Star (2008, 2009, 2012–2016, 2022, 2023), a six-time All-NBA First Team selection, and the all-time leader in career assists per game (11.1). He’s never won a championship — and that’s the one thing people always bring up. But here’s the twist: Paul never played for the ring. He played for the game. For the rhythm. For the perfect pass that finds a cutter in stride. For making everyone around him better.
What the Analysts Are Saying
During the CBS Sports HQ broadcast, analyst Ashley Nicole Moss didn’t just report the news — she framed it. At the 342-second mark, she said: “He’s exceeded the ring. He’s exceeded the position.” That’s not flattery. That’s truth. In an era dominated by three-point shooters and isolation scorers, Paul was the last great conductor. He ran offenses like a chess grandmaster, reading defenses before they formed. His handle? Impeccable. His court vision? Unmatched. His leadership? Quiet, but unshakable.“He’s one of the best point guards in a generation,” Moss added — a line that, despite a garbled audio clip at the 21-second mark, was unmistakable. And she’s right. When you stack him against the greats — Magic, Stockton, Kidd, Nash — Paul belongs. He didn’t need the trophy to prove it. He had the assists, the steals, the wins. He had the respect.
The Clippers’ Future Without CP3
The Clippers are now at a crossroads. They’ve built a contender around Paul’s leadership — but he’s not just a player. He’s the glue. His presence in the locker room, his film sessions, his pre-game rituals — they’ve shaped younger players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George into champions-in-waiting. Without him, who leads the huddle when the game’s on the line? Who calls the plays when the clock’s winding down? Who tells the rookie to trust his shot?Team owner Steve Ballmer hasn’t commented publicly, but insiders say the organization is already planning a ceremonial retirement night — likely at Crypto.com Arena in April, before the final home game. There’s talk of a statue outside the arena. A jersey retirement. Maybe even a documentary. But for now, the focus is on the next 15 weeks.
Legacy Beyond the Stats
Paul’s legacy isn’t just in the box scores. It’s in the way he played through pain — never missing a game for injury, even when he was nursing a torn hamstring or a bruised rib. It’s in the way he mentored younger guards like Ja Morant and Tyrese Haliburton, offering advice after games, often in quiet hallways, never for the cameras. It’s in the way he carried himself — no trash talk, no tantrums, just relentless professionalism.He’s the kind of player you don’t realize you’re watching until he’s gone. You think, “Oh, he’s just a point guard.” Then, years later, you look back and realize: he was the reason your favorite team had a pulse. He was the reason your favorite player became a star.
What’s Next?
Paul’s retirement will trigger formal procedures with the National Basketball Players Association in New York City. He’s expected to transition into a front-office role — possibly with the Clippers, possibly as a consultant or ambassador. There’s already chatter about him coaching in the G League or even running a basketball academy. But for now, he’s just Chris Paul — lacing up, running pick-and-rolls, and making one last pass.The final game won’t be on Christmas Day. It won’t be in the Finals. It might not even be memorable in the box score. But it’ll matter. Because when Paul walks off the court for the last time, the NBA loses more than a player. It loses a standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Chris Paul’s retirement affect the Los Angeles Clippers’ championship chances?
Without Paul, the Clippers lose their primary playmaker and floor general — the player who orchestrated their offense and kept them competitive in tight games. While Kawhi Leonard and Paul George remain elite scorers, the team’s ability to create high-percentage shots in the half-court will decline. Analysts estimate their win projection drops from 52–55 wins to 45–48 without Paul’s leadership and decision-making.
Why didn’t Chris Paul win an NBA championship?
Paul’s teams often fell short due to injuries, bad luck, or elite competition. In 2021, his Phoenix Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Finals — a series he played through a shoulder injury. In 2022, the Clippers were upset by the Mavericks in the second round despite having home-court advantage. His career is a reminder that greatness doesn’t always come with a ring — but it still changes the game.
Where does Chris Paul rank among all-time point guards?
Most experts place Paul in the top five all-time at point guard — behind Magic Johnson, John Stockton, and Oscar Robertson, and often ahead of Isiah Thomas and Steve Nash. His 11.1 assists per game lead all active players and rank third all-time. He’s also the only player in NBA history with over 12,000 assists and 2,000 steals. His consistency and durability over 20 seasons solidify his elite status.
What will happen to his jersey number, CP3?
The Clippers have not officially announced a jersey retirement, but it’s all but certain. The number 3 has been worn by only three players in franchise history — and Paul is the only one to elevate the team to true contender status. The team is expected to retire his jersey in a ceremony during the 2026–2027 season, likely alongside a plaque in the arena’s Ring of Honor.
Is Chris Paul considering a coaching career?
While he hasn’t confirmed any plans, Paul has expressed interest in mentoring young players and possibly working in basketball operations. He’s already been seen in the Clippers’ film room during games, asking questions and offering feedback. Many believe he’ll take on a front-office role — perhaps as a player development director or assistant GM — before eventually becoming a head coach, likely with a team that values structure and discipline.
How will the NBA honor Chris Paul after retirement?
The NBA is expected to honor Paul with a league-wide tribute during All-Star Weekend in 2027, possibly including a special halftime ceremony or a commemorative patch on all jerseys. The league may also rename the NBA Assist Leader Award in his honor — a fitting nod to a man who made everyone around him better. His impact on the game’s culture, especially in terms of leadership and professionalism, will likely be recognized in the Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony in 2031.
