Few point guards have reshaped a position the way Chris Paul did over 21 NBA seasons. When he announced his retirement on February 13, 2026, the league lost a player who ranks second all-time in assists and steals (NBA.com, official league source) — here’s a look at what’s next for Paul, his career numbers, and the debates that defined his legacy.

4 related posts

Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) ·
Weight: 175 lb (79 kg) ·
Career points per game: 17.5 ·
Career assists per game: 9.5 ·
NBA All-Star selections: 12 ·
Years active: 2005–present

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Retired on February 13, 2026 after 21 seasons (NBA.com)
  • 12-time All-Star (NBA.com)
  • Ranks No. 2 all-time in assists and steals (NBA.com)
  • Career averages: 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds (Yahoo Sports)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth (estimates vary)
  • College GPA (not public record)
  • Post-retirement plans (potential broadcasting or coaching)
  • Precise barefoot height measurement (source variability)
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Hall of Fame eligibility in 2031
  • Potential broadcasting career
  • Business and philanthropic ventures

Seven key facts about Chris Paul’s career and personal life.

Attribute Value
Birthdate May 6, 1985
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight 175 lb (79 kg)
College Wake Forest
Draft 2005, Round 1, Pick 4
Teams New Orleans Hornets, LA Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors
Net worth Approx. $180 million

Is Chris Paul Retiring Now?

What is the latest on Chris Paul’s retirement?

  • Chris Paul officially retired from the NBA on February 13, 2026, after 21 seasons (NBA.com, official league source).
  • The NBA described him as a 12-time All-Star at the time of his announcement (NBA.com).
  • He was 40 years old at retirement (New York Post, metropolitan newspaper).

The speculation that surrounded his free agency in 2024 has now been settled. Paul stepped away on his own terms.

The upshot

Paul’s retirement ends any mystery about his future in uniform. At 40, he leaves the game second all-time in assists and steals — a legacy that transcends titles.

The implication: the retirement is definitive, not a temporary hiatus. Paul’s next chapter — likely in broadcasting or team ownership — will keep him visible in the basketball world.

Why Did the NBA Reject Chris Paul’s Trade?

Details of the vetoed 2011 trade to the Lakers

  • In December 2011, the NBA blocked a trade that would have sent Paul from New Orleans to the Los Angeles Lakers, citing “basketball reasons” (Britannica, reference publisher).
  • At the time, the New Orleans Hornets were owned by the league, giving the NBA commissioner the authority to void the deal (ESPN, sports news leader).
  • Paul was subsequently traded to the LA Clippers, where he spent six seasons and formed “Lob City” (NBA.com).

The veto remains one of the most controversial moments in NBA trade history and reshaped the league’s competitive landscape.

The catch

The NBA’s unique position as both owner and regulator of the Hornets created an unavoidable conflict of interest — one that still haunts the league’s credibility in trade matters.

The pattern: the veto not only changed Paul’s career path but also set a precedent for league intervention in player movement.

Is Chris Paul Actually 6 Feet Tall?

Chris Paul’s official height vs. measured height

The consistent underestimation of his height fueled debate throughout his career, but Paul’s court vision and intelligence more than compensated.

The pattern: Paul’s height has been a recurring topic not because it limited his game but because it defied expectations of what a dominant point guard should look like.

What Are Chris Paul’s Career Stats and Net Worth?

Points, assists, and rebounds averages

  • Career averages per game: 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds across 20 seasons (Yahoo Sports, sports news outlet).
  • In his final season with Golden State (2023-24), he averaged a career-low 13.9 points in 59 games (RotoWire, fantasy analysis).
  • ESPN maintains a full career stats page for Paul (ESPN, sports news leader).

All-Star and All-NBA selections

  • 12-time NBA All-Star (NBA.com).
  • 11-time All-NBA selection and 9-time All-Defensive selection (Britannica, reference publisher).
  • Won All-Star MVP in 2013 (NBA.com).

Estimated net worth and endorsements

  • Net worth estimated at roughly $180 million, with major endorsements from Nike, State Farm, and others (multiple reports).
The trade-off

Paul’s enormous career earnings and off-court income contrast with his lack of an NBA championship — a statistical and financial profile that puts him in rare company among players never to win a ring.

The implication: Paul’s career numbers place him in the pantheon of point guards despite missing the one accolade that often defines legacy.

Who Is Chris Paul’s Wife and What Is His College Background?

Marriage to Jada Crawley

  • Paul married Jada Crawley in 2011 (New York Post, metropolitan newspaper).
  • The couple has two children together (Britannica, reference publisher).

Education at Wake Forest University

  • Paul attended Wake Forest University and played two seasons of college basketball (Britannica, reference publisher).
  • He majored in Communications (ESPN, sports news leader).
  • His college GPA is not publicly available, although a common myth about a 4.0 GPA refers to another NBA player.

The implication: Paul’s personal life has remained stable and private, a contrast to the scrutiny around his height and trade history.

Chris Paul Career Timeline

Every major milestone in Paul’s career is captured below, showing a steady climb from Rookie of the Year to retirement as one of the most accomplished point guards ever.

Year(s) Event Source
2005 Drafted 4th overall by New Orleans Hornets Britannica
2005–06 Named NBA Rookie of the Year NBA.com
2011 Trade to Lakers vetoed; traded to Clippers Britannica
2013 All-Star MVP NBA.com
2018 Traded to Houston Rockets ESPN
2020 Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder ESPN
2020–21 Led Suns to NBA Finals NBA.com
2023–24 Final season with Golden State Warriors; became free agent RotoWire
2026-02-13 Officially announces retirement CBS Sports

What’s Confirmed vs. Still Unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Retired on February 13, 2026 (NBA.com)
  • 12-time All-Star (NBA.com)
  • Ranked No. 2 all-time in assists and steals (NBA.com)
  • Trade to Lakers vetoed in 2011 (Britannica)
  • Married to Jada Crawley since 2011 (New York Post)

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth (estimates range from $150M–$200M)
  • College GPA (not publicly recorded)
  • Post-retirement career plans
  • Possibility of a one-day contract to retire as a Clipper/Hornet
  • Precise barefoot height (measured 5’11.75″ but listed at 6’0″)

Voices on Chris Paul

“I gave everything I had to the game, and the game gave me everything back.”

— Chris Paul, in his retirement statement (NBA.com)

“Chris Paul is one of the greatest point guards to ever play. His feel for the game and competitive drive are unmatched.”

— NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (NBA.com)

“People always talked about his height, but his basketball IQ was what truly made him elite.”

— Basketball analyst on ESPN (ESPN)

For the NBA, Chris Paul’s departure leaves a void in the point guard position that few can fill. For fans, the choice is clear: celebrate a career defined by longevity and intelligence, or wonder what could have been if the trade to the Lakers had gone through. The data shows Paul’s numbers speak for themselves — and they place him in the conversation for the best point guard ever.

Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, nba.com

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What team does Chris Paul currently play for?

Chris Paul retired from the NBA in February 2026 and is not currently playing for any team.

How many championships has Chris Paul won?

Chris Paul has never won an NBA championship. He came closest in 2021 when the Phoenix Suns reached the NBA Finals.

What is Chris Paul’s shoe size?

His shoe size is not officially recorded, but it is commonly reported as size 11 or 11.5.

Does Chris Paul have any siblings?

Yes, he has an older brother named C.J. Paul, who has been his manager and business partner.

What is Chris Paul’s jersey number?

He has worn No. 3 for most of his NBA career, including stints with New Orleans, LA Clippers, Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and Golden State.

Where did Chris Paul go to high school?

He attended West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, North Carolina.

How many assists does Chris Paul have in his career?

He ranks No. 2 all-time in career assists with over 11,500 assists (NBA.com).

Is Chris Paul in the NBA Hall of Fame yet?

He is not yet eligible. Players become eligible three years after retirement, so Paul would become eligible in 2029.