At 39, Chris Paul — the man who redefined the point guard position, earned the nickname "The Point God," and orchestrated nearly 120 career triple-doubles — has quietly made one of the most consequential decisions in modern NBA history: he’s retiring at the end of the 2025-2026 season. The announcement, confirmed by CBS Sports in a video report published on YouTube at 12:00 AM UTC on Saturday, November 22, 2025, didn’t come with a press conference or a tearful speech. Just Paul, calm and deliberate, telling the world he’s done. And suddenly, the league feels different.
The End of an Era, Quietly
Paul’s career began in 2005 when the New Orleans Hornets picked him fourth overall. He didn’t just arrive — he dominated. By age 21, he was leading the league in assists. By 25, he was an All-NBA First Team lock. Over the next two decades, he played for six franchises: New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and now, the Golden State Warriors. He never won a championship, but he changed how the game is played. He made the pick-and-roll an art form. He turned defense into poetry. And he did it all while averaging 18.6 points, 9.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game over 1,300 regular-season appearances.His final season isn’t just a farewell tour — it’s a living tribute. The National Basketball Association has already confirmed it will honor him with official recognition ceremonies at every arena he visits before his final game on April 13, 2026. His last home game at Chase Center in San Francisco is scheduled for April 9. You can bet every crowd will rise as one.
Why He Changed the Game
Ashley Nicole Moss, CBS Sports HQ’s New York-based analyst, put it simply: "He didn’t just play point guard — he redefined what it meant to be one." Before Paul, the position was often about speed and flash. He added precision. Control. Leadership you could feel in your bones. He didn’t need to dunk to dominate. He’d draw three defenders, find the open man, then steal the inbound pass and turn it into a fast break before the defense could blink.He’s the reason today’s young guards — Tyrese Haliburton, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Williams — study his film like scripture. He’s the reason the pace of the modern NBA slowed down just enough to let the best playmakers thrive. And he did it all without a single major injury in 20 years. That’s not luck. That’s discipline.
His 2023 contract with the Warriors — a two-year, $41 million deal — included a player option for this season. He waived it. Not for money. Not for leverage. To leave on his own terms. No drama. No distractions. Just a man who knew when his time was up.
The Warriors’ Response
The Golden State Warriors released a statement on November 21, 2025 — the day before the public announcement — saying: "We respect Chris’s decision to conclude his historic career on his terms and will support him through this transition." Head coach Steve Kerr, himself a Hall of Famer, called Paul "the most complete point guard I’ve ever seen." CEO Brandon Schneider added that the organization is already planning a "meaningful, private farewell" for Paul’s family and teammates before the final game.It’s rare for a player to retire while still performing at an elite level. Paul averaged 15.8 points and 10.1 assists per game this season — numbers that would be All-Star-caliber for most. But he’s not chasing stats. He’s chasing peace.
The Ripple Effect
Paul’s retirement doesn’t just leave a void on the court — it leaves a void in the locker room. Fifteen active NBA point guards have publicly credited him as a mentor. Some say he texted them before big games. Others say he invited them to his home during the offseason to break down film. He didn’t hoard knowledge. He gave it away.For the Warriors, it’s a leadership crisis. Who steps up as the voice in the huddle? Who calls the plays with that same icy calm? Who makes the defense work like clockwork? The answer? No one. Not yet.
And for the league? The NBA loses its most respected elder statesman. The guy who never cursed on court, never complained about calls, never took a night off. He played through sprained ankles, bruised ribs, and back spasms — always with a clipboard in hand, always studying.
What Comes Next
Paul’s next chapter is already taking shape. He’s expected to transition into a front-office role, possibly with the Warriors or an NBA team looking for a veteran mind. There’s talk of him launching a player development academy — something he’s quietly been planning since 2020. And yes, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will induct him in 2030, per standard protocol.But the real question isn’t where he’ll go next. It’s: Who will ever be like him?
He didn’t just play the game. He elevated it. And now, with his final buzzer less than five months away, the NBA is holding its breath — not because it’s uncertain what’s next, but because it knows nothing will ever be the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Chris Paul retiring now, at 39, and not after a championship?
Paul has never won an NBA title, but he’s made peace with it. He’s stated in interviews that his legacy isn’t defined by rings — it’s defined by consistency, leadership, and impact. At 39, his body has held up remarkably, but he no longer wants to train like a 25-year-old. He’s choosing to exit on his terms, not as a player chasing redemption, but as a legend walking away with his dignity intact.
How does his retirement affect the Golden State Warriors’ future?
The Warriors lose their primary playmaker, floor general, and veteran voice. With Stephen Curry’s own future uncertain and Jordan Poole traded, the team now faces a leadership vacuum. Young guards like Brandin Podziemski and Jeremy Sochan will be thrust into bigger roles. The front office may pursue a veteran point guard in free agency, but no one can replace Paul’s basketball IQ — or his ability to make everyone around him better.
What records did Chris Paul break during his career?
Paul holds the NBA record for most career assists per game among players with 1,000+ games (9.9). He’s the only guard in history with 11 All-NBA selections (10 First Team, 1 Second Team) and 120 career triple-doubles — the third-most all-time. He also holds the record for most consecutive seasons with 7+ assists (19), and he’s the only player to lead the league in assists four times without ever leading in scoring.
Why is he called ‘The Point God’?
The nickname emerged in the late 2000s, coined by fans and later adopted by players and broadcasters. It reflects his godlike control of the game — how he reads defenses like chessboards, makes impossible passes look routine, and never seems rushed. Even opponents have called him "unfair" to guard. His combination of vision, timing, and basketball instinct made him seem like he was operating on a different level — hence, "God."
Will Chris Paul be inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Absolutely. He’s a first-ballot lock. His 11 All-NBA selections, 12 All-Star appearances, 2021-22 runner-up finish for MVP at age 37, Olympic gold medal (2008), and transformative influence on the point guard position make him one of the most decorated guards ever. The Hall of Fame process begins in 2029, with induction scheduled for 2030 — a fitting capstone to a career that defied time.
How will the NBA honor him during his final season?
The NBA has confirmed a league-wide tribute program: each arena will play a highlight package before Paul’s visiting game, and teams will present him with a custom gift — often a framed jersey or a plaque. Some franchises, like the Clippers and Suns, are planning on-court ceremonies. The league will also feature a documentary series on NBA TV titled "CP3: The Architect," set to premiere in May 2026, shortly after his final game.