LOS ANGELES — One of the most intellectual and dominant floor generals to ever grace the hardwood, Chris Paul, officially announced his retirement from the NBA on Friday, February 13, 2026. After a career spanning 21 seasons and nine different franchises, the 40-year-old “Point God” confirmed the news following his release by the Toronto Raptors.
“This is it! After 21 years, I’m stepping away from basketball… the game will forever be ingrained in the DNA of my life.” — Chris Paul via Instagram.
1. A Statistical Titan: The HOF Resume
Paul retires as arguably the greatest traditional point guard of the modern era. He is one of only seven players to reach the 21-season milestone, joining the ranks of LeBron James and Vince Carter.
- Assists & Steals: Paul finishes 2nd all-time in both career assists (12,552) and steals (2,728), trailing only John Stockton in both categories.
- The “20k/10k” Club: He was the first player in NBA history to record 20,000 points and 10,000 assists, eventually pushing those totals to over 23,000 points and 12,000 assists.
- Accolades: * 12-time All-Star
- 11-time All-NBA Selection
- 9-time All-Defensive Team
- 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012)
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team member
2. Financial Legacy: $479 Million in Earnings
Paul’s retirement isn’t just the end of a sports career; it’s the culmination of a masterclass in financial management. He retires as one of the top five all-time earners in NBA history.
| Financial Metric | Amount |
| Total Career NBA Salary | ~$479.3 Million |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | $180 Million |
| Largest Single Payday | 4-year, $120 Million extension with Phoenix Suns (2021) |
| Annual Endorsement Income | $10–$20 Million |
3. Business Ventures & “Front Office” Moves
Known for his leadership as the former President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), Paul has spent years building a robust investment portfolio to prepare for this moment.
- Key Endorsements: Long-term partnerships with State Farm (the iconic “Cliff Paul” campaign), Jordan Brand, Tissot, and Panini.
- Investments: Equity stakes in Angel City FC (NWSL), the tech startup Hyperice, and his own plant-based snack brand, Good Eat’n.
- Production: His company, Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment, has produced several documentaries and series focused on HBCUs and sports history.
- Future Goal: Paul has frequently expressed interest in NBA/WNBA team ownership, similar to his peers Dwyane Wade and Grant Hill.