Story by
"I don't have the answer" - Chris Paul pens emotional farewell to the NBA after 21 historic seasons
- Story by
- "I don't have the answer" - Chris Paul pens emotional farewell to the NBA after 21 historic seasons
Many thought that when the L.A. Clippers finally traded Chris Paul , he would get the opportunity to play for one more team for the remainder of the season and finish his NBA career on his own terms. But after he was waived by the Toronto Raptors , Paul announced that he is retiring from the NBA after 21 seasons.
But Paul did not just say he's done, he penned a long, heartfelt message and posted it on his social media account.
Advertisement
"It's hard to know what to feel," wrote Paul. " But for once, most people would be surprised, I don't have the answer. lol."
Chris Paul was the consummate point guard
Allen Iverson was "The Answer", and Paul was the "Point God" but as a playmaker, he always had the answer to every basketball situation and made the right decisions on the floor.
And although he never won an NBA championship, most wonder what could have been if he had not been injured in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the KD-led Golden State Warriors , and what might have happened if David Stern had not vetoed his trade to the L.A. Lakers .
Advertisement
But even without a ring, Paul had a career better than many champions. He is Top 2 all-time in assists and steals, and No.5 in win shares. CP is one of only three players in NBA history to record 20,000 points, 10,000 assists, and 2,000 steals. He made 12 All-Star teams, 11 All-NBA squads and was on the All-Defensive team 9 times.
"Leadership is hard and is not for the weak. Some will like you, and many people won't. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!!), " he added.
He wanted to finish his career close to his family
Aside from putting up all-time great numbers, Paul was also one of the best leaders in the history of the league. However, because he was the outspoken type, he butted heads not only with the opposition but also with people on his own side. But as he said, nothing was personal. He just wanted to win.
Advertisement
He also explained that the past six years playing away from home had been a big sacrifice for him and his family, so it was a no-brainer for him to sign with the Clippers because he wanted to be close to them. But while it worked out from that perspective, it did not on the basketball court. Instead of finishing his career celebrated, he was given an unceremonious exit that no legend should deserve.
Toward the end of his letter, Paul talked about how he treated the game with utmost respect and how basketball taught him to always show up. And now that he is retiring, he wants to show up for other people in different ways.
Marc Spears said that CP3 was giving away shoes to people in Compton when the announcement went up on social media and that he could be at the All-Star Game on Sunday as a surprise visitor. So maybe he isn't getting his retirement tour. But he might just get his farewell on the biggest stage, in front of the stars of stars.
Advertisement
Related: From Point God to an afterthought: Why Chris Paul's career is probably over
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
