Former Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul calls it a career after 21 years in the NBA

“It’s hard to really know what to feel,” the former Suns player writes on his Instagram. “But for once, most people would be surprised, I don’t have the answer… I’ve been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades. It’s crazy even saying that!!”

Paul, who was waived by the Toronto Raptors on Friday as well, closes out a 21-year career. He spent three seasons in Phoenix, where he helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021 as a key playmaker on the team.

In the season the Suns reached the Finals, Paul averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 assists while shooting 49.9% from the field, helping the club achieve a second-best NBA record that year at 51-21 and leading to an unforgettable postseason run.

While his tenure was short in the Valley, Paul brought a culture change to a team that needed veteran presence alongside its young stars. Alongside Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, Paul achieved that and set high expectations in Arizona, providing the Suns with a blueprint to continue finding success.

During his career, Chris Paul also played for the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, LA Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and was recently on the Toronto Raptors’ roster, but did not play a game with them.

While the former Suns guard didn’t win a championship in the desert, his impact is still being felt among fans — even years later.