As Chris Paul approaches his 40th birthday in May, the veteran point guard has opened up about his thoughts on retirement and his plans for the future. In a recent interview with Andscape’s Marc Spears, Paul revealed that he is leaning toward returning for the 2025-26 NBA season, marking what would be his 21st year in the league.
“I’ll be 40 in May. So, yeah man, I’m going to keep playing, I think,” Paul shared. “At the end of every season, I evaluate everything. Evaluate playing. Evaluate how my body feels. But the more years that go by, it’s more conversations with my family, with my kids. They have a lot of say so. They got a lot of input.”
Paul emphasized the importance of his family in his decision-making process. With two children, Chris II and Camryn, Paul has made it clear that their opinions hold significant weight in determining his future.
“I love to play. I definitely love my kids and my family more than I like to play,” he said. “Anybody who’s in this knows the sacrifice that goes into it. I said this summer I will evaluate it and talk to my family about it.”
The 12-time All-Star also acknowledged the advice he’s received from retired friends and former teammates, who have encouraged him to play as long as he possibly can. However, Paul remains grounded, stating that his ultimate priority is his role as a father and husband.
Drafted fourth overall in 2005, Paul has built a legacy as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Known for his exceptional basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and leadership, he has been a cornerstone for every team he’s played for, including the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, and now the San Antonio Spurs.
This season, Paul has taken on a mentorship role with the Spurs, helping to guide young talents like Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. While his numbers—8.8 points and 7.6 assists per game—are well below his career averages, his impact on the team extends far beyond the stat sheet.
Paul’s decision to continue playing may hinge on several factors, including his health, family considerations, and the opportunity to compete for a championship. With his contract set to expire at the end of this season, Paul will also need to evaluate potential landing spots. He has expressed a preference for staying close to his family in Southern California and playing for a team with playoff aspirations.
As Paul reflects on his illustrious career and weighs his options, one thing is certain: his love for the game remains as strong as ever.
“My love for the game is even higher now,” he said. “My son hoops. My daughter hoops. And I think the most challenging thing now is I love giving back to teammates, the team, giving them the little nuances that I know. I want to give some of that knowledge to my kids, too.”
Whether he decides to return for another season or hang up his sneakers, Chris Paul’s legacy as one of the NBA’s all-time greats is firmly cemented.
