In a move that in no way befitted the Hall of Fame career that he produced, Chris Paul announced through social media ahead of All-Star Weekend that he was calling it a career.
The 40-year-old washing out of the league in truly the most random way possible. Sent home by the L.A. Clippers because they didn't want him, before being traded to and never reporting for the Toronto Raptors.
Suns had no time for Chris Paul retirement tour
Although it may sound harsh in hindsight, the Suns were proven right not to bring Paul back for what would have been his final season.
Although he is beloved by the fans and will go into the Ring of Honor one day, you need only look at Nigel Hayes-Davis for proof that this would not have gone well for Paul.
Chris Paul media day photos through the years pic.twitter.com/TnEqlP6DoH
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) February 14, 2026
If that is a strange comparison to make, consider that Hayes-Davis was one of the best players in Europe and came back to the NBA for one final crack at it on a roster most expected to be one of the bottom five in the Western Conference.
Instead they have been so competitive that Hayes-Davis was not only traded before the deadline, he has subsequently been let go and is headed back to Europe to make some real money.
It would have been cool to have Paul in The Valley again, but there is no way he could have played the kind of defensive style that head coach Jordan Ott would have wanted him to.
Paul in his prime is a different beast, but this version of him was not going to wrestle any minutes away from Collin Gillespie or Jordan Goodwin.
That also would have meant Jamaree Bouyea never would have happened, and although he's hardly a crucial piece for the future, he sure has provided the Suns with plenty off the bench this season.
Owner Mat Ishbia is unlikely to have ever asked him to go away, but he would be stuck to the bench at this point in the season if the Suns were in the thick of a playoff race.
That would have been a sad ending and it would have linked Paul and his demise in the league to Phoenix forever. Instead we have the great memories of them together, reaching the NBA Finals.
It is sad that it ended in this way, but at least the Suns had nothing to do with one of the best point guards ever calling it a career ahead of the midseason exhibition.