Chris Paul Hints at NBA Retirement, Says He'll Only Play 'At The Most A Year' More
The end of Chris Paul's playing career could be near.
It's not secret that the 40-year-old point guard is in the twilight of his career, but he hinted that he could retire within the next year.
"At the most, a year," Paul said at the American Black Film Festival when asked how much longer he intends to play (2:00 mark). "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."
TOP NEWS
Wolves HC: We Got 'Punked' 😬
1 Immediate Thing Every Team Would Do In FA 🏀
Buzz: Ja's Trade Appeal May Increase
Though Paul isn't the All-Star-caliber player he once was, he's continued to contribute over the past few seasons. Last year with the San Antonio Spurs, he started all 82 games and put up 8.8 points, 7.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
But even if Paul could play for a few more years, it sounds like he's content with calling it a career soon and moving on to the next stage of his life.
In the meantime, he'll spend the offseason looking for the right team to end his time in the NBA with. He's been linked to the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets and more, though NBA insider Marc Stein reported Sunday that he turned down interest from the Hornets as well as the Dallas Mavericks. Stein also noted that Paul has had conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks.
It's unclear exactly what Paul is seeking with his next team, but he said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show last month that he wanted to stay close to his family on the West Coast.
"My son just turned 16," he said. "My daughter is 12. 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."
Whichever team Paul suits up for in 2025, he'll look to use his veteran experience to lead that squad to success in the postseason. After that, Paul could call it quits and wrap up a tremendous career.
