TORONTO — In a monumental shift for the NBA landscape, legendary point guard Chris Paul has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball. The decision, confirmed Friday, February 13, 2026, comes immediately after the Toronto Raptors waived the future Hall of Famer following a whirlwind trade deadline deal.
Known affectionately as “The Point God,” Paul concludes an illustrious 21-season career that spanned seven franchises. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of the most influential floor generals in the history of the sport. Paul, 40, was recently moved from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors in a three-way trade involving the Brooklyn Nets, but he never suited up for the Canadian franchise.
A Storied Career by the Numbers
Drafted 4th overall in 2005 by the New Orleans Hornets, Paul leaves the game with a resume that rivals any guard in NBA history. Over 1,370 career games, he maintained impressive averages of 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. His final career totals stand at 23,058 points and 12,552 assists, placing him among the elite statistical leaders of all time.
His accolades include:
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- 11-time All-NBA Team selection
- 9-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection
- 5-time NBA Assists Leader
- 6-time NBA Steals Leader
- 2005-06 NBA Rookie of the Year
- Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
The Final Chapter in Toronto
The final days of Paul’s career were marked by rapid movement. After being a veteran presence for the Los Angeles Clippers, he was sent to Toronto last week. Reports indicated that the Raptors did not require Paul to report to the team while they explored further trade options. When no deal materialized before the deadline, the Raptors opted to waive the veteran to allow him to choose his next path.
While many speculated Paul might join a contender for a final championship run, the veteran chose to hang up his sneakers instead. “Chris Paul announces he is officially retiring from basketball after 21 seasons, ending a Hall of Fame career,” reported Shams Charania on Friday.
Legacy of the “Point God”
Paul’s impact extended far beyond the stat sheet. As a former president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), he was a pivotal figure in labor negotiations and player advocacy. On the court, he was renowned for his high basketball IQ, mid-range proficiency, and tenacious perimeter defense.
Despite never capturing an elusive NBA championship, Paul is credited with transforming every franchise he joined into a winner. From leading the “Lob City” Clippers to guiding a young Phoenix Suns team to the 2021 NBA Finals, his leadership remained his most defining—and sometimes polarizing—trait.
As the news of his retirement spreads, tributes from teammates, rivals, and fans are pouring in, celebrating a man who redefined the point guard position for the 21st century. The NBA now awaits his inevitable first-ballot induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.