April 30, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) before game two of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 115-109. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Former Rockets Star Chris Paul Officially Retires

Originally posted on Houston Rockets on SI | By Jed Katz | Last updated Feb 14, 2026 12:41 AM ET

After months away from the LA Clippers, followed by a trade to the Toronto Raptors, NBA legend and former Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul officially announced his retirement on Friday via his Instagram. The 40-year-old spent 21 years in the league, carving out a career as one of the best of all time at his position.

Paul signed a one-year deal to return to the Clippers in the 2025 offseason and made it clear this would be his last season. However, things went south after LA sent him away from the team in early December, remaining on the roster. He was eventually traded to the Raptors at the deadline, followed by his release and retirement.

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“After 21 remarkable seasons, Chris Paul retires as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and a true steward of our sport,” Silver said. “From the moment he entered the league, Chris distinguished himself with his savvy playmaking skills, elite competitiveness, and intense work ethic...

“On behalf of the NBA, I congratulate Chris on an extraordinary career and thank him for his friendship, partnership, and lasting contributions to our game.”

As a Houston Rocket, Paul averaged 17.1 points, five rebounds, eight assists and 1.8 steals per game across two seasons. He was a key piece alongside James Harden as the Rockets made the 2018 Western Conference Finals, nearly taking down the Golden State Warriors in seven games. Paul was regarded as the hero for Houston before an injury sidelined him for the final two games of the series.

Paul spent his 21 seasons with the Clippers, Rockets, New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans), Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.

He was a legend on the court and as an ambassador of the game, serving as the president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021.

This article first appeared on Houston Rockets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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