On the ‘7PM in Brooklyn’ podcast, Chris Paul admitted to Carmelo Anthony that he is still processing how his 21-year NBA career ended abruptly.
Chris Paul admits he’s still trying to process how his NBA career ended.
“I’m still grasping it, trying to figure out how it got to that,” Paul told Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony in a snippet of his ‘7PM in Brooklyn’ podcast.
The 40-year-old recently announced his retirement from the NBA after 21 seasons with six franchises.
[RELATED: Point God Out: Chris Paul retires after 21 seasons in NBA]
When Paul signed with the Los Angeles Clippers at the start of the 2025–26 season, it felt like a homecoming.
He had led the Clippers to six consecutive playoff appearances during the 2010s, cementing himself as one of the franchise’s most influential figures.
Fans had hoped the veteran point guard could make one final mark in Los Angeles, teaming up with Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Ivica Zubac. But the reunion quickly unraveled.
By December, the Clippers made it clear they intended to part ways with Paul amid reports of tension with head coach Tyronn Lue over leadership styles.
[RELATED: In shock move, struggling Clippers part ways with veteran Chris Paul]
“During training camp, I talked to one of my teammates for a while. And then as soon as I went to the meal room, somebody came and told me that they didn't want me giving players advice,” Paul said.
In February, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors, only to be immediately waived, forcing an unexpected conclusion to his career.
[RELATED: NBA: Clippers ship Chris Paul to Raptors in a three-team trade—reports]
Despite the abrupt ending, Paul’s legacy is undeniable.
Over two decades, he played for the Clippers, New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.
His accomplishments include a Rookie of the Year award, an All-Star Game MVP, two Olympic gold medals, five NBA seasons leading in assists and six seasons leading in steals.
Though a championship eluded him — he shares the record for the longest NBA career without a title alongside Vince Carter — Paul came closest in 2021 with the Phoenix Suns, who lost the NBA Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.