Chris Paul announces retirement after being waived by Raptors - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Chuck Schilken

February 13, 2026

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Chris Paul, a 12-time All-Star and one of the most accomplished players in NBA history, has announced his retirement from the league after being waived by the Toronto Raptors earlier this month. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Paul leaves behind a legacy as one of the game’s elite point guards. Known for his incredible court vision, leadership, and numerous accolades, including second-place finishes in all-time assists (12,552) and steals (2,728), Paul also made history as the first player to reach 20,000 points and 10,000 assists. His announcement came after a whirlwind season that saw him return to the Los Angeles Clippers, only to be released by the team in December and later traded to the Raptors. During his time with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017, Paul was a key figure in the franchise’s “Lob City” era alongside Blake Griffin. Together, they led the team to six winning seasons, two division titles, and multiple playoff successes. After leaving the Clippers, Paul played for several other teams, including the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs, before returning to Los Angeles in 2023. However, his final season with the Clippers did not go as planned, leading to his unexpected departure. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Paul reflected on his career, expressing gratitude for the opportunities basketball had afforded him while acknowledging the challenges of leadership. He hinted at a new chapter focused on spending more time with his family, including wife Jada and their children Chris II and Camryn. Paul’s retirement marks the end of an era for the NBA, as

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/13/2026