CP3 could be calling it a career.
Chris Paul revealed he is nearing the end of his NBA career, as the 20-year veteran said he plans to play just one more season in the Association.
The 12-time NBA All-Star was asked about his future during a conversation with Jemele Hill at the American Black Film Festival. Hill mentioned Paul is in the ‘twilight’ of his playing career and asked how much longer he plans to play.
‘At the most, a year,’ Paul said.
Considered one of the best point guards to play in the NBA, Paul just finished his 20th professional season with the San Antonio Spurs. He started in all 82 games for San Antonio, the first time he accomplished the feat since he did so for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014-15 and the first time a player in their 20th season did it.
However, it wasn’t a flashy season from the veteran. He averaged 8.8 points per game, the lowest of his career, along with 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He also only average 28 minutes a game, his second-lowest after the 2023-24 season with the Golden State Warriors.
Chris Paul free agency: Where will guard play in 2025-26?
While it appears Paul will embark on a farewell tour, who he will do it for remains a question. He signed with San Antonio prior to the 2024-25 season on a one-year, $10.4 million contract, meaning he is a free agent.
Paul is one of the top remaining unsigned players, and he seemed to give Hill an indication of where he could be headed. Hill mentioned the Los Angeles Lakers are in need of a guard, and Paul mentioned his family has stayed in Los Angeles while he’s played across the country. But ultimately, a decision hasn’t been made.
‘I love to play basketball, but I love my kids and my family more. That is gonna weigh a huge part on my decision on what happens next year.”
Playing year 21 could make sense for Paul. He could play with longtime friend LeBron James on the Lakers, or he could rejoin the Clippers, where he spent six seasons. They are also playoff caliber teams that could give Paul a chance to get that elusive NBA title.
Paul has been one of the best guards in the NBA ever since he began his career in 2005 with the New Orleans Hornets. He’s an 11-time NBA All-Team member, nine-time all-defensive team member and has led the league in assists five times and steals six times.
His 12,499 assists and 2,717 steals are the most among active players and second-most in NBA history. John Stockton has the all-time record in both categories, with 15,806 assists and 3,265 steals.