By Jamal Whitaker, NBA Insider Phoenix, AZ: In a move that’s got the basketball world buzzing like a packed arena on championship night, Chris Paul – the Point God himself – dropped the mic on his legendary career Friday afternoon. The 40-year-old floor general announced he’s hanging up his sneakers for good at the end of the 2025-26 NBA season, closing the book on two decades of pure hoops mastery that’s left defenders in knots and teammates forever grateful.
Paul broke the news in a heartfelt video posted to his social media, filmed courtside at the Footprint Center where he’s been torching nets for the Phoenix Suns. “Twenty years ago, I stepped onto that court as a kid from Winston-Salem with big dreams and a bigger chip on my shoulder,” he said, his voice steady but eyes a little misty. “Basketball gave me everything – titles, tears, triumphs. But now it’s time to pass the torch. One more season to chase that ring, then I’ll be cheering from the sidelines with my family.”
It’s the kind of announcement that hits different. Paul’s been the heartbeat of every team he’s touched, from the gritty New Orleans Hornets squads that first put him on the map to the Clippers’ Lob City fireworks, and now the Suns’ desert dynasty push. Remember Game 7 against the Clippers in 2021? That 41-point masterclass? Or the way he willed Oklahoma City to the playoffs in ’19 with a bunch of castoffs? Yeah, CP3 doesn’t do half-measures.
At 40, Paul’s no stranger to the grind. He’s suited up for 1,272 regular-season games (and counting), averaging 17.5 points and a league-leading 9.4 assists per game over his career. Eleven All-Star nods, nine All-NBA selections, and that 2006 Rookie of the Year hardware – it’s a Hall of Fame resume that was locked in years ago. But the injuries piled up last season, a nagging hamstring that sidelined him for 20 games, and whispers of Father Time catching up grew louder. Still, Paul’s been defiant, mentoring young guns like Devin Booker and preaching that “control the game, control the outcome” mantra that’s defined him.
Suns GM James Jones didn’t mince words in a statement: “Chris isn’t just a player; he’s the soul of this franchise. We’re honored to send him off with a championship chase. Whatever it takes.” Teammates echoed the sentiment – Booker called him “the best teacher I’ve ever had,” while Bradley Beal joked, “Man’s got more assists off the court than on it. We’re gonna miss those dad jokes in the huddle.”
As for what’s next? Paul’s hinted at broadcasting gigs – maybe joining TNT’s crew or launching a podcast dissecting the pick-and-roll like only he can. He’s also got his CP3 family foundation, which has poured millions into youth sports in underserved communities. “Hoops taught me leadership,” he said. “Now I get to give that back full-time.”
Fans are already flooding timelines with tributes, from vintage CP3 memes to pleas for one last All-Star start. It’s bittersweet, sure – the league loses its sharpest mind at the helm – but Paul’s exit feels right, on his terms, after one final lap.
For now, though, lace ’em up, Chris. The NBA’s got one more chapter to write together.
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