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Chris Paul Retires After Raptors Waive Him to End 21-Season Career

The 40-year-old point guard steps away following his Toronto waiver, closing a two-decade run that leaves him second all-time in assists and steals.

Overview

  • Paul announced his decision on Instagram with the message “This is it,” confirming an immediate retirement rather than joining another team this season.
  • He was traded from the Clippers to the Raptors on Feb. 4 and waived on Feb. 13, with Toronto never requiring him to report before his announcement.
  • His planned farewell season in Los Angeles collapsed when the Clippers sent him home in early December following internal friction, with reports of a breakdown with coach Tyronn Lue.
  • Across 1,370 games, Paul logged 23,058 points, 12,552 assists and 2,728 steals, earned 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA nods and nine All-Defensive honors, and served as NBPA president.
  • He retires without a championship after a Finals trip with the Suns in 2021, as tributes rolled in from peers including LeBron James, Donovan Mitchell and Klay Thompson, along with an NBA statement from Adam Silver.