Paul’s retirement on February 13, 2026, left his historic total at 12,552 assists, placing him second on the all-time list. To match that number, LeBron, who currently sits at roughly 11,610, would need 942 more dimes. Although he continues to defy time at 41 years old, a gap of nearly a thousand assists represents a massive challenge that likely would require at least two more full seasons at his current rate.

To understand the magnitude of the chase, if LeBron averages seven assists per game, he would need around 135 additional appearances to surpass the mark of the Point God. That pace would demand he plays virtually every game left on the current schedule and the entirety of the 2026-2027 NBA campaign. Given his unprecedented longevity, the record is within reach, yet it depends entirely on how long he chooses to continue playing and whether he can avoid major injuries.

Paul’s career, therefore, ended with a considerable edge over the King in this particular category, reinforcing his identity as a pure floor general devoted to distribution. While LeBron already owns the all-time scoring record and keeps climbing the assists rankings, the 12,552 figure now becomes the golden reference for anyone chasing greatness as a passer, still far behind the seemingly untouchable number posted by John Stockton.

The list of the all time assist leaders

1. John Stockton, 15,806 assists
2. Chris Paul, 12,552 assists
3. Jason Kidd, 12,091 assists
4. LeBron James, approximately 11,610 assists (active)
5. Steve Nash, 10,335 assists
6. Mark Jackson, 10,334 assists
7. Magic Johnson, 10,141 assists

Chris Paul legacy

Paul, who will turn 41 in May, became the first player in NBA history to compile at least 20,000 points and 10,000 assists. He finished second in total career assists with 12,552, trailing only Stockton, a measure of both durability and elite playmaking across more than two decades.

He earned a spot on the league’s 75th Anniversary Team and served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021. Paul will also be remembered as a fierce competitor who, despite repeated deep runs, never captured the NBA’s ultimate prize. He won Olympic gold medals with the United States in Beijing in 2008 and in London in 2012, adding international glory to his résumé.

He came painfully close to a title in 2021, when the Phoenix Suns reached the Finals and took the first two games against the Milwaukee Bucks. Powered by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday, the Bucks answered with four straight victories to secure the championship. Paul started all six games in that series and averaged 21.8 points and 8.2 assists, one final reminder of his brilliance on the biggest stage.

Paul’s decision at age 40 marked the end of an era for one of the greatest point guards the league has ever seen. With his departure becoming official on February 13, 2026, he walked away as the NBA’s second all-time leader in assists and steals, leaving behind an enormous legacy of leadership and basketball IQ on the floor. Despite his longevity, he was not the oldest player to retire, yet he still exited as one of the most influential figures of his generation.

The record for the oldest player in league history belongs to Nat Hickey, who appeared in a game in 1948 with the Providence Steamrollers at 45 years and 363 days. In the modern era, the podium of veterans is led by Kevin Willis, who retired at 44 years and 224 days, followed by legends such as Robert Parish and Vince Carter. Other iconic names who crossed the 42-year barrier included Udonis Haslem, Dikembe Mutombo, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

In terms of historical longevity, Paul ranked around 15th among the oldest players to have appeared in an official game. He shares the 40-year threshold with figures like Jason Kidd, Michael Jordan, and Steve Nash, while remaining behind John Stockton, who played until he was 49. Meanwhile, LeBron James continues competing past that mark, becoming the league’s oldest active player following the farewell of the Point God.

The retirement announcement of Chris Paul

Few expected him to suit up for the Toronto Raptors, and the organization officially waived him, according to Brett Siegel. Shortly after the move became public, Paul took to social media and confirmed that he was retiring from the NBA.

“This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” Paul wrote. “As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once, most people would be surprised, I don’t have the answer. Mostly, I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude. While this chapter of being an NBA player is done, the game of basketball will forever be ingrained in the DNA of my life. I’ve been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades.”

Paul had made it clear before the start of the season that he wanted to play close to home. The Los Angeles Clippers appeared to be a natural destination, which explained why he signed there during the offseason. Ultimately, reports indicated that his fit with the locker room did not evolve as expected, yet he still retired as one of the greatest players in league history.

After publicly declaring his desire to play the final stretch of his career in Los Angeles, Paul was granted that opportunity to play with the Clippers; however, the reunion did not go as planned. In just 16 games this season with the Clippers, prompediting 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes per game, the franchise opted to move him to Toronto.

Reports indicated that the Raptors were not interested in retaining him, and he was officially waived by the franchise on Friday. Shortly after the move, Paul took to social media to announce his definitive retirement from the league.

Despite the unceremonious end, his legacy remains immense. A certain Hall of Famer, Paul will go down as one of the greatest floor generals in history, even without an NBA championship.

The former Spurs and Suns star finishes with 23,058 points and 6,006 rebounds, while ranking second all-time in both assists (12,552) and steals (2,728) across 1,370 career games.

Paul’s farewell message

In a heartfelt post, Paul expressed deep gratitude for his time in the league and the life basketball provided for him. However, the final words of his statement caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.

“This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball. As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once — most people would be surprised — I don’t have the answer lol! But, mostly I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an “NBA player” is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life. I’ve been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades. It’s crazy even saying that!! Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility. I embraced it all. The good and the bad. As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and is not for the weak. Some will like you and many people won’t. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!!).“

Those last few words suggest that Paul may not have felt fully ready to step away, harboring a desire to continue competing at the highest level until his release by the Raptors and a lack of subsequent interest from other contenders effectively made the decision for him.

However, the transition comes with unexpected news. Charania reports that Paul will not be required to report to the Raptors, meaning he won’t need to physically integrate with the team’s roster.

“The Raptors will not require Chris Paul to report to the team and could still entertain trade discussions involving him in the coming days. With this move, Toronto is now out of the luxury tax. Meanwhile, Brooklyn picks up an asset and receives cash to offset Agbaji’s salary. The Clippers clear a roster spot and save $7 million in tax liabilities,” reported Charania about the trade.

Given this scenario, it seems unlikely that Paul will don a Raptors jersey or perhaps even play his final season as anticipated. However, the next few hours could prove pivotal for both the veteran player and his new team, as trade discussions remain ongoing.

Nets’ financial gains from the deal

With Paul as the centerpiece of this multi-faceted deal, the Brooklyn Nets play a significant role in negotiations. NBA insider Chris Haynes reports that the Nets will receive a substantial financial windfall from this transaction.

“The Brooklyn Nets are set to receive $3.5 million from the Los Angeles Clippers in the three-team trade involving Chris Paul and the Toronto Raptors. There is an expectation that CP3 will be waived,” Haynes shared on his X account.

Under these circumstances, fans are left speculating about Paul’s future and how he might conclude his illustrious NBA career. Once anticipated to make a significant impact on the court, Paul now finds himself as a trade asset, possibly outside the Raptors’ plans.

Clippers’ decision to part ways with Chris Paul had a significant impact on fans and personnel around the organization. Following Los Angeles’ 115-92 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Clippers superstar James Harden spoke with ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk about the move and how stunned he was when the news broke. The veteran guard did not shy away from admitting his confusion regarding the situation.

“Woke up and saw it on social media,” Harden said. “I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world…Definitely surprised me, but not just Chris, it’s a lot we were dealing with, but that’s out of my hands. I got to focus on what I got to focus on and what I can control. I guess the front office felt that was the best decision for the organization.”

As Harden pointed out, Paul’s dismissal came late at night after the team had already arrived in Atlanta to continue its road trip. With a five-game losing streak building tension inside the organization, frustration was reaching a boiling point.

Chris Paul confirmed the news

Shortly afterward, it became known that Paul had been asked to return to Los Angeles, effectively cutting all ties with the franchise. The news was officially confirmed when the veteran point guard posted his reaction on social media: “Just found out I’m being sent home.”

Although Paul’s departure surprised many, the move has little impact on Harden or the Clippers for the remainder of the NBA season. Paul had barely played and was not a major contributor on the court, meaning Los Angeles will continue operating without significant changes to its rotation or strategy.

The Clippers’ resurgence

James Harden led the offense against the Hawks, maintaining strong form with 27 points, four rebounds, nine assists, and three steals while shooting 11-for-24 from the field. He was closely followed by Kawhi Leonard, who finished with 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and Ivica Zubac, who added 14 points and 17 rebounds in a dominant performance inside.

According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the decision may have been influenced by growing discontent in the Clippers‘ locker room. Players reportedly found Paul’s criticisms grating, particularly during a period when the team was struggling amidst regular-season injuries. “Paul’s critiques came off like grating criticisms that were unwelcome while the team was trying to find itself while playing through injury, league sources said,” Amick wrote.

This underlying tension could be the catalyst for the Clippers’ decision to let go of one of their legendary figures, a player who once came close to leading them to their first NBA title. Now with Paul off the roster, the fanbase is left disgruntled over his unexpected departure during a potential final run with the team.

While fans initially rejoiced upon his return, viewing it as a farewell tour before retirement, Paul’s exit was abrupt, leaving many to speculate about his next move. With the trade deadline approaching, the NBA community is eager to see where Paul might land as he navigates what could be his last season.

Paul’s impact on the team this season

In the 16 games Paul played this season with the Clippers, he managed to leave a lasting impression, despite limited opportunities on the court. Averaging 3.3 assists and 2.9 points per game in just 14.3 minutes, it became apparent that his contribution was hampered by a significant reduction in playing time.

Although not performing at his peak due to age and the toll of a 20-year NBA career, the fanbase relished the nostalgia of having Paul back in the Clippers’ jersey. Throughout his career, he consistently demonstrated unwavering loyalty and commitment to the organization.

Tyronn Lue’s comments on Paul’s departure

Following the Clippers’ first win without Paul on the roster, head coach Tyronn Lue addressed the veteran’s unexpected departure. Lue expressed his regret over losing a player who was expected to conclude his illustrious career with the franchise.

“I just think it wasn’t a good fit for what he was looking for. It is what it is. Do I want to see CP go out like this? No. I have a lot of respect for him. He’s been a friend of mine over the years. You never want to see a great go out like this. But I’m pretty sure he will find something, because he’s a great player. I didn’t want to see it end like this,” Lue shared with the media post-game.

“We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team. We will work with him on the next step of his career. Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career,” the Clippers‘ statement read.

This scenario mirrors the experience of the fan base in the 2017-18 season with Blake Griffin, one of their top players, who was traded to the Detroit Pistons despite having a stellar performance with the organization, with no prior warning to fans or even to him.

Griffin was anticipated to cement his legacy with a jersey retirement, but in his final season with the Clippers, he was traded to the Pistons, erasing the prospect of immortalizing a true legend, a similar fate now faced by Paul in his final NBA season.

Clippers do not blame Paul for current performance

The organization clarified in their statement that their decision to part ways with Paul wasn’t a reflection of his performance in the first 16 games of the regular season. The decision to release him comes at what is evidently his concluding season in the NBA.

“I want to make one thing very clear. No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance. I accept responsibility for the record we have right now. There are a lot of reasons why we’ve struggled,” the Clippers said in their statement regarding Paul.

Explaining the Clippers’ crisis

Paul’s exit compounds the challenges faced by the Clippers, who have been grappling with Kawhi Leonard’s ongoing injury woes and Bradley Beal’s season-ending injury. Initially expected to make a return, Beal now finds his season prematurely ended.

With their record standing at 5-16 and with James Harden and Ivica Zubac striving to lead a team affected by Leonard’s intermittent availability, the Clippers are poised to explore trade market options to rebound from their current standing. The exclusion of Paul from the roster may be central to their recovery strategy.

“I hope he can find joy in this final year… I hope he takes it all in. This is his last hurrah, so we’ll never get this moment again once you’re done; to be able to go out and be in the arena,“ LeBron shared with the media after a victory over the Jazz.

Upon announcing his retirement, Paul also reached an extraordinary milestone in the NBA. This achievement underscores his remarkable career, and many are hopeful that he could secure his elusive championship ring with the Clippers, a franchise he spent six years with during his illustrious career.

With Paul confirming this will be his final NBA season, anticipation builds around LeBron James as well. Entering his 23rd season, LeBron’s potential retirement has been a hot topic, generating widespread speculation throughout the offseason and into the preseason.

LeBron’s reflections on his own performance

While discussing his fellow USA National Basketball Team member, LeBron also provided insights into his own performance during the first two regular-season games, which marked his return from a sciatica injury, having made his season debut just last week.

“This week was kind of like my training camp, to be honest… I didn’t have the chance to practice with the guys at all throughout camp… I’m still working my way back,“ LeBron mentioned to the media after the Lakers win against the Jazz.

Averaging 14 points and 10 assists per game, LeBron is gradually regaining his form and integrating back into the team, despite missing out on the chance to practice fully while recovering from his injury.

Many fans had been watching James closely amid speculation about his own retirement, but Paul was the one who made the first move. James posted his immediate reaction on Instagram, sending a short but powerful message to his longtime friend.

“POINT GOD!!!” James wrote, via Dan Woike of The Athletic. “Been a helluva ride. [Salute emoji],” said LeBron. James and Paul entered the 2025-2026 NBA season as the two oldest active players in the league. Both started opening weekend at age 40, with James’ birthday arriving four months earlier than Paul’s.

Although James and Paul never played together in the NBA during their 21 overlapping seasons, their friendship has spanned decades. The only times they shared the court in the same uniform were during the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, when both suited up for Team USA.

The surprising message from JJ Redick to Paul

Redick also revealed the one reason he does not want to see Paul win his first championship in what is now his final NBA season with the Clippers, he said, per LoJo Media on X (formerly Twitter).

“I hate saying this: I hope he doesn’t win an NBA championship because that would mean the Clippers win an NBA championship and we don’t. But, to me, he’s the ultimate winner,” Redick said. “There’s a guy that works in the NBA that I’ve known for almost 20 years now, and we talk about this all the time.

“There are guys that have won championships that I wouldn’t say are winning players, and there are guys that have never won a championship that, to me, are the ultimate winners. And that’s who Chris Paul is — he’s the ultimate winner.”

Lakers head coach JJ Redick, in the spirit of competition, couldn’t go as far as openly hoping Paul wins his first and only championship, which makes sense. But deep down, everyone knows how special it would be if Paul capped off his final season by finally capturing an NBA title — the perfect ending to a legendary career.

In the process, Paul secured a place in NBA history shortly after confirming his retirement, per Marc Spears of Andscape. Paul reached 6,000 career rebounds, making him the only player ever to record at least 20,000 points, 12,000 assists, and 6,000 rebounds.

Altogether, Paul has accumulated 23,032 points, 12,532 assists, and 6,000 rebounds. Over his storied career, he became the 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year, a 12-time NBA All-Star, an 11-time All-NBA First Team selection, and a nine-time All-Defensive Team honoree.

He was also named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team and won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA. Ultimately, Paul is closing out his career with the Clippers. So far this season, he is averaging 2.5 points and 3.7 assists per game while the Clippers hold a 5-11 record.

The teams Paul has played for

Beyond the long list of accolades and milestones, Paul has been part of several franchises throughout his NBA journey. Paul has played for the New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs.

Paul is one of only two players to record at least 20,000 points and 10,000 assists, with the other being LeBron James. He also ranks second all-time behind John Stockton in both assists and steals. Five times he led the NBA in assists per game, and six times he led in total assists.

Overall, Paul has compiled career averages of 16.9 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game. He remains one of the few active players whose Hall of Fame induction is already considered a formality, further cementing his legacy and longevity.

Speaking recently with Ben Golliver of The Washington Post, Paul didn’t hesitate to set the record straight. The record in question is the NBA’s all-time assists mark, held by Stockton—a feat that may never be matched.

“I don’t like saying never, but ain’t nobody catching that. I don’t know who the statistician was who used to do the stats in Utah, but ain’t nobody catching that,” Paul said. Stockton’s record isn’t just impressive—it’s superhuman. He finished his career with 15,806 assists, nearly 3,300 more than Paul, who ranks second all-time with 12,515.

The top assist leaders in NBA history

What makes the list even more impressive is that only three players in the top 10 are still active, meaning it could be decades before anyone approaches Stockton’s record. Here’s the top 10 all-time assist leaders in the NBA:

1. John Stockton – 15,806 assists
2. Chris Paul (active) – 12,515 assists
3. Jason Kidd – 12,091 assists
4. LeBron James (active) – 11,584 assists
5. Steve Nash – 10,335 assists
6. Mark Jackson – 10,334 assists
7. Magic Johnson – 10,141 assists
8. Russell Westbrook (active) – 9,944 assists
9. Oscar Robertson – 9,887 assists
10. Isiah Thomas – 9,061 assists

Comparing Paul and Stockton

Stockton’s consistency is what makes his record untouchable. He played 19 seasons in the NBA, completing all 82 games in 15 of those seasons. That kind of durability is nearly impossible in today’s league, where load management, injuries, and shorter careers prevent players from accumulating such totals.

To even approach Stockton’s mark, a player would need to average 10 assists per game for 19 consecutive seasons without missing a single contest. That level of production and endurance is almost nonexistent in modern NBA play, where scoring-focused offenses dominate and pass-first point guards are rare.

Paul, in comparison, has averaged 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game over 21 seasons while maintaining career marks of 17.0 points and 2.0 steals. His longevity and consistency are remarkable, but even he remains thousands of assists short of Stockton’s legendary total.