Chris Paul has long been one of the NBA’s most commanding floor generals, but his time in the league is coming to a close.
Paul, 40, said during a recent appearance at the American Black Film Festival that retirement could come as soon as next year.
“At the most, a year,” he said. “I just finished my 20th season, which is a blessing in itself. I’ve been in the NBA for more than half of my life, which is a blessing. But these years you do not get back with your kids, with your family.”
Paul has remained productive even in the twilight of his career. He appeared in all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists and 1.3 steals in 28.1 minutes per game. He provided steady leadership for a young roster and offered veteran poise in late-game situations.
Though he’s no longer the perennial All-Star he once was, Paul remains one of the most experienced and trusted point guards in the league. He is expected to play one more season and is currently evaluating teams for what may be his final stop.
Clippers or Suns Reunion Remains a Possibility
The Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks are among the teams with interest in signing the veteran guard. Paul has also received inquiries from teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks, but has declined to pursue those options.
A return to the Clippers—where Paul spent six seasons and helped define the “Lob City” era—could be his preferred outcome. While James Harden recently re-signed, the Clippers’ backcourt remains flexible. Paul could assume the starting point guard role, allowing Harden to shift to shooting guard and operate more off the ball. However, there could be other options to pursue soon that could be cleaner fits.
The Clippers’ projected rotation features Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, with newly signed center Brook Lopez coming off the bench. Paul’s connection to the franchise, combined with the opportunity to start and remain close to home, makes Los Angeles an appealing destination as he weighs his next move.
Another possibility is a return to the Phoenix Suns, where Paul spent three seasons and helped lead the franchise to the 2021 NBA Finals. With Bradley Beal increasingly likely to get bought out, there could be more room to add Paul into the fold to rejoin forces with Devin Booker. Paul is already familiar with the Suns organization and maintained strong relationships there.
Title Chase or Time with Family?
The Bucks present a compelling case for Paul, who has yet to win an NBA championship. Milwaukee recently waived Damian Lillard and could offer immediate playing time on a contending roster featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner. Paul would likely be asked to orchestrate the offense, run high pick-and-rolls, and bring composure to late-game situations.
A move to Milwaukee would give Paul the chance to compete for the one accomplishment missing from his Hall of Fame résumé, but it would come at the cost of continuing to live apart from his family.
“My son just turned 16. My daughter is 12,” Paul said in June. “The past six seasons, I’ve lived without them. I go to San Antonio, Phoenix, Golden State—they were in Houston with me—Oklahoma City… I’ve been around a few teams, but I’ve been away from them the last six years. It’s a little different. That’s the conversation.”
Paul emphasized that family will be a central factor in his decision. He added, “I want to hoop because I love to hoop. But at the same time, I want to be dad.”
Whichever team he chooses, Paul is likely entering his final NBA season. His résumé includes 11 All-NBA selections, 12 All-Star appearances, nine All-Defensive team honors, and membership in the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Whether he returns to Los Angeles or Phoenix, or pursues a ring in Milwaukee, Paul will finish his career as one of the most complete and respected point guards the league has ever seen.
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