Chris Paul bows out as a legendary figure among the NBA’s all-time highest earners.

Chris Paul has officially announced his retirement from the NBA, capping off an illustrious career that spanned nearly two decades. Selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, Paul leaves the sport as one of its all-time greats.

Paul’s Career Highlights

Chris Paul’s last season saw him return to the Los Angeles Clippers, but the journey ended on a disappointing note following a rough 5-16 start. Though his departure from the game may seem bittersweet, Paul’s achievements on the court are undeniable. He is a 12-time All-Star, an 11-time All-NBA selection, and a nine-time NBA All-Defensive player. Additionally, he ranks second in NBA history for both assists and steals, trailing only John Stockton in these categories. With career earnings amounting to approximately $404.5 million, he stands as the sixth-highest earner in NBA history, according to Spotrac.

Financial Breakdown of His NBA Journey

Throughout his career, Paul played for multiple teams, each contributing to his lengthy and lucrative career:

New Orleans Hornets – $44,204,701

Paul began his career with the Hornets, who selected him in the 2005 Draft. During his six seasons in New Orleans, he became a fixture in the All-Star game, securing nine consecutive selections and earning All-NBA accolades in various tiers. He set personal records in points and steals per game during the 2008-09 season before being traded to the Clippers.

Los Angeles Clippers – $120,578,649

Joining the Clippers marked a turning point for both Paul and the franchise. Alongside stars Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, Paul elevated the team’s status and was named to three consecutive All-NBA First Teams. Despite multiple playoff appearances during his tenure, the Clippers struggled to advance past the second round.

Houston Rockets – $59,923,109

In 2017, Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he made a significant impact by reaching the conference finals. The following season, he signed a lucrative four-year contract extension, but soon found himself traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Oklahoma City Thunder – $36,099,827

During his time with the Thunder, Paul reinvigorated his career while playing a mentoring role for younger teammates. His season was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the team ultimately fell short in a playoff matchup against the Rockets.

Phoenix Suns – $100,558,814

Paul’s two seasons with the Suns were the pinnacle of team success in his career. The Suns reached the NBA Finals in 2021, and Paul signed a substantial four-year deal. Despite setting franchise records, the Suns encountered a disappointing exit in the playoffs, which foreshadowed the end of Paul’s tenure in Phoenix.

Golden State Warriors – $30,800,000

Joining the Warriors in 2023, Paul accepted a reduced role, marking the end of his streak of consecutive starts. His season was marred by injuries, and the Warriors fell short of making the playoffs, leading to his release.

San Antonio Spurs – $10,983,000

Paul then signed a one-year deal with the Spurs, where he continued to play a significant role while also mentoring younger players like Victor Wembanyama. Despite not making the playoffs, Paul started all 82 games, a rare achievement in his 20th season.

Toronto Raptors – $1,378,472

After a brief stint back with the Clippers, where he was sent home shortly into the season, Paul was traded to the Raptors. The team waived him just eight days later, leading to his announcement of retirement after completing 21 seasons in the league.

As Chris Paul hangs up his sneakers, fans may no longer see him on the court, but he is sure to be remembered and honored at the Hall of Fame podium in the near future.