TORONTO — Former Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul has officially retired from the NBA, announcing it on his personal Instagram on Friday afternoon.
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Nov 5, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) drives against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s hard to really know what to feel,” the former Suns player writes on his Instagram. “But for once, most people would be surprised, I don’t have the answer… I’ve been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades. It’s crazy even saying that!!”
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Paul, who was waived by the Toronto Raptors on Friday as well, closes out a 21-year career. He spent three seasons in Phoenix, where he helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021 as a key playmaker on the team.
Feb 12, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) look on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
In the season the Suns reached the Finals, Paul averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 assists while shooting 49.9% from the field, helping the club achieve a second-best NBA record that year at 51-21 and leading to an unforgettable postseason run.
While his tenure was short in the Valley, Paul brought a culture change to a team that needed veteran presence alongside its young stars. Alongside Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, Paul achieved that and set high expectations in Arizona, providing the Suns with a blueprint to continue finding success.
Feb 16, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) drives past Houston Rockets guard Dennis Schroeder at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
During his career, Chris Paul also played for the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, LA Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and was recently on the Toronto Raptors’ roster, but did not play a game with them.
While the former Suns guard didn’t win a championship in the desert, his impact is still being felt among fans — even years later.
Kind of silly but i always rooted for Chris Paul because we’re the exact same height and weight. Forever a Suns legend, happy retirement!
— Michael Walchalk (@MichaelWalchalk) February 13, 2026
Chris Paul has officially announced his retirement.
He was so close to brining Phoenix its first NBA championship🥺☀️
Suns fans will always be grateful for what Chris Paul did for Devin Booker and the Suns organization❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/0ubNl9VIel
— SleeperSuns (@SleeperSuns) February 13, 2026
Another all time favorite memory of Chris Paul was this.
Chris Paul helped lead the Suns back to the NBA finals. When the Suns landed back in Phoenix, there were thousands of fans waiting to welcome them.
Enjoy retirement Chris, I hope you get into coaching. pic.twitter.com/d101qFQE8X
— 🌵 Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) February 13, 2026
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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