Chris Paul retires at 40 as NBA All-Star Sunday brings “games tomorrow” into focus

Chris Paul has announced his retirement, closing the book on a 21-season NBA career that reshaped modern point-guard play and left him near the top of the league’s all-time record books. The decision, shared Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 (ET), arrives on the doorstep of All-Star Sunday in Inglewood—an unusually timed farewell as fans search for CP3 updates, Chris Paul stats, and what’s on the NBA slate tomorrow.

Paul steps away at age 40 after a short, turbulent final season that included a late roster move and limited playing time.

Chris Paul retire news: why it landed now

Paul’s announcement comes as the league’s midseason showcase begins, turning what is usually a celebratory weekend into a moment of reflection. He framed the choice around gratitude and family priorities, while also signaling he intends to stay connected to basketball in the years ahead.

The timing also fits the reality of where his on-court role had moved: from franchise centerpiece to veteran reserve. For a player who built a career on precision, preparation, and control, choosing his own moment mattered.

How CP3’s final season unfolded

Paul’s last NBA stop ended quickly. He was waived Friday after being moved in a multi-team trade earlier this month, a transaction widely viewed as a financial reshuffle rather than a basketball fit. Once waived, Paul’s path to another roster spot would have depended on both health and a contender’s need for a veteran ball-handler—options that narrow dramatically in February.

His minutes were modest this season, and his production reflected that reduced role. In 16 appearances, Paul averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 assists, functioning mostly as a stabilizer with second units rather than a primary creator.

Chris Paul stats: the career résumé that defined “Point God”

Even without a championship ring, Paul’s career profile is built on longevity and elite two-way impact at the position. He retires ranked second all-time in both assists (12,552) and steals (2,728)—a rare combination that captures how completely he controlled games on both ends.

Beyond the headline totals, Paul’s legacy includes:

• 12 All-Star selections

• Multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive nods

• Two Olympic gold medals (2008 and 2012)

• A long stint as a top player-leader in league labor and governance

His prime years were defined by surgical pick-and-roll orchestration, tempo control, and a midrange package that stayed effective even as the NBA’s shot profile shifted more heavily toward threes and the rim. His teams consistently won, and his presence reliably lifted organizational standards—especially for young rosters learning how to compete.

What retirement means next—for Paul and the league

Paul’s retirement removes one of the last active bridges to the mid-2000s guard era, when traditional floor generals still dictated pace possession by possession. It also creates a leadership vacuum: younger guards can replicate pieces of his game, but few combine durability, defensive disruption, and late-game management in the same way.

What comes next is not publicly confirmed. The most likely lanes, given his history, are broadcasting, advisory roles, or front-office involvement—paths that allow him to shape the sport without the grind of travel and recovery.

For teams, his exit is also a reminder of how quickly roster realities change at the end of a career. Paul’s final weeks were less about highlights and more about how the league treats minimum-contract veterans when the calendar turns toward playoff positioning.

NBA games tomorrow: All-Star Sunday schedule (Feb. 15, ET)

There are no regular-season NBA games tomorrow because the league is in its All-Star break. Instead, Sunday features a multi-game exhibition format in Inglewood, built around a short tournament with three squads and multiple matchups starting at 5:00 p.m. ET.

With CP3’s retirement now official, the weekend’s story shifts: a league honoring its present stars while saying goodbye to one of the most influential point guards ever—right as fans tune in expecting “NBA games tomorrow” and instead get a showcase built for the sport’s next era.