Trae Young Leads Emotional NBA Tributes After Chris Paul’s Retirement Reveal

LA Clippers guard Chris Paul is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 season, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania on Saturday. Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young led tributes from current and former players as they paid their respects to the 12-time NBA All-Star.

"OKC Hornets. Legend!” Young wrote on Instagram.

Trae Young’s tribute to Chris Paul (Image via Instagram @cp3)

Young was joined by Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero.

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Paolo Banchero’s tribute to Chris Paul (Photo via Instagram @cp3)

Former league players Victor Oladipo and Jamal Crawford also wrote their messages of tribute.

Former players Jamal Crawford and Victor Oladipo’s tributes (Photo via Instagram @cp3)

Paul hinted this earlier in a social media post on Saturday before his final game in his home state of North Carolina when the Clippers face the Charlotte Hornets.

"What a ride...Still so much left...GRATEFUL for this last one!!"

Chris Paul was selected with the fourth pick by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA draft. He earned the 2006 Rookie of the Year and in his 21-year career, he has been named a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA team and nine-time All-Defensive team.

The former Wake Forest star has career averages of 16.9 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. Additionally, he is shooting 46.9% from the field and 36.9% from 3-point range.

He joined the Clippers after he spent the 2024/25 season with the San Antonio Spurs. Paul played for the Houston Rockets, OKC Thunder, Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors. The "Point God" ranks second all-time in assists (12,532) and steals (2,727), and has led the league in assists five times and steals six times.

This season, he has appeared in 10 games, averaging 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 13.7 minutes off the bench.

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LeBron James sends heartfelt message to Chris Paul following retirement announcement

LeBron James on Instagram on Saturday sent a heartfelt message to close friend Chris Paul after his retirement plan was revealed. James wrote on his Instagram Story.

“POINT GOD!!! Been a helluva ride.”

LeBron James’ heartfelt message to the Point God (Photo via Instagram @kingjames)

James, like Paul, has defied expectations with their longevity. The Lakers star is competing in a record 23rd season and returned from a sciatica layoff to make his season debut against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday. He finished the game with 11 points and 12 assists as the Lakers won 140-126.

Edited by Ubong Richard