Chris Paul declares retirement from the NBA following 21 seasons.
Chris Paul declared his retirement from the NBA through a social media announcement on Friday.
Paul had earlier indicated that he would conclude his career at the end of this season, marking his 21st year in the league.
“This is it! After 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” Paul posted on Instagram.
At 40 years old, Paul is a 12-time All-Star, an 11-time All-NBA team member, a nine-time All-Defensive team member, the 2006 Rookie of the Year, and a participant in the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
He was released by the Toronto Raptors on Friday after being traded from the LA Clippers on February 4. The Raptors did not require Paul to join the team and had sought to trade him prior to the deadline.
Paul and the Clippers unexpectedly decided to part ways in early December after he was reportedly not communicating with Clippers coach Ty Lue for several weeks leading up to his departure from the team.
Paul later shared with People.com that he felt “at peace” with the split and was eager for what lay ahead.
The seasoned guard participated in only 16 games for the Clippers this season, averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game.
