Jan 17, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) looks over in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Chris Paul Addresses Major NBA Career Decision

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 6:54 PM ET

The NBA has seen a few future Hall of Famers make huge career decisions this offseason. Kevin Durant forced a trade to the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul signed back with the LA Clippers, and Russell Westbrook declined his player option with the Denver Nuggets to hit the open market and find a new team.

Paul, 40, is undoubtedly nearing the end of his career, so signing a one-year deal with the Clippers to return home to Los Angeles feels like a storybook ending. However, it might not be the last year of his career like many are expecting.

Chris Paul is a Clipper.

(via @LAClippers) pic.twitter.com/JYOCeBEAQy
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 28, 2025

ESPN's Malika Andrews had an interview with Paul, and the new Clippers guard revealed that the 2025-26 NBA season might not be his last despite retirement speculation.

"In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Clippers point guard Chris Paul says he isn’t ruling out playing beyond the 2025-26 season. Our conversation coming soon on @SportsCenter and NBA Today," Andrews posted on X (formerly Twitter).

In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Clippers point guard Chris Paul says he isn’t ruling out playing beyond the 2025-26 season. Our conversation coming soon on @SportsCenter and NBA Today.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 28, 2025

Many assumed that Paul would be retiring after the 2025-26 season after he hinted that his time was coming to an end in an interview in early July. The reporter asked Paul how long he intends to play.

"At the most, a year," Paul said. "I just finished my 20th season, which is a blessing in itself."

Chris Paul hints at this upcoming season being the last of his career pic.twitter.com/SGULR077Yx
— Underdog (@Underdog) July 6, 2025

Last season, in a one-year tenure with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while playing in every contest of the season. Paul could likely play for another year or two, but it makes sense to hang it up after his one-year contract with the Clippers.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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