Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Chris Paul

Discover the career path of Chris Paul, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Chris Paul, nicknamed "CP3" and "the Point God", is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently with the San Antonio Spurs. Celebrated as one of the greatest point guards ever, his accolades include NBA Rookie of the Year, an All-Star Game MVP, and two Olympic gold medals. He has led the NBA in assists five times and steals a record six times. A 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, and 9-time All-Defensive team member, he was also named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Paul served as the president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021. He is also among the highest-paid athletes globally with major endorsements.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2004: Played against brother in preseason exhibition

In 2004, Chris Paul played against his brother C.J. when Wake Forest had a preseason exhibition game with USC Upstate.

April 15, 2005: Turning Professional

On April 15, 2005, Chris Paul announced that he would be hiring an agent and turning professional.

2005: Drafted by New Orleans Hornets

In 2005, Chris Paul was selected as the fourth overall pick in the NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets.

2005: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2005, after being drafted by the New Orleans Hornets, Chris Paul was named NBA Rookie of the Year with averages of 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.

2006: Debut for United States national team

In 2006, Chris Paul debuted for the United States national team at the FIBA World Championship in Japan. He achieved a tournament-high 44 assists, contributing to Team USA's bronze medal win.

2007: All-Star Weekend Rookie Challenge Records

During the 2007 All-Star Weekend, Chris Paul set new Rookie Challenge records with 17 assists and 9 steals.

2007: Selected to first NBA All-Star Game

In 2007, Chris Paul was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game, playing in New Orleans. Behind his leadership, the Hornets finished the season with a franchise-record 56 wins and the second seed in the West.

December 17, 2008: NBA Record for Consecutive Games with a Steal

On December 17, 2008, Chris Paul set the NBA record for consecutive games with a steal at 106.

2008: Olympics in Beijing

During the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Chris Paul played a key role off the bench. He scored 13 points in the gold medal game against Spain, contributing to Team USA's perfect 8-0 record and gold medal victory.

2008: Runner-up for NBA MVP Award

In 2008, Chris Paul finished second in NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting while playing for the New Orleans Hornets.

2010: All-Stars

In 2010, Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire were the All-Stars. On February 23, Chris Paul became a 2021 All-Star for the Suns. Later on Devin Booker was named as a replacement All-Star.

December 8, 2011: Trade to Lakers Nullified

On December 8, 2011, the Hornets agreed to a three-team trade sending Chris Paul to the Lakers, but the NBA nullified the deal.

2011: Trade to Los Angeles Clippers

In 2011, Chris Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers after a previous trade to the Los Angeles Lakers was voided by the NBA.

2012: Olympics in London

In 2012, at the Olympics in London, Chris Paul started as point guard, averaging 8.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He led Team USA to another gold medal and an undefeated tournament.

2012: Drafting Austin Rivers

In 2012, the Minnesota Timberwolves' unprotected first-round pick that the Clippers received as part of the Chris Paul trade was used to draft Austin Rivers.

August 21, 2013: Elected president of the National Basketball Players Association

On August 21, 2013, Chris Paul was selected as president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), after having served on the executive committee for four years.

2013: President of the National Basketball Players Association

In 2013, Chris Paul became the president of the National Basketball Players Association, a position he held until 2021.

2013: NBA All-Star Game MVP Award

In 2013, Chris Paul won the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award with a 20-point and 15-assist performance.

2013: Re-signed with the Clippers

Prior to the start of the 2013–14 season, Chris Paul re-signed with the Clippers for five years on a contract worth approximately $107 million.

2014: Key figure in the banning of Donald Sterling

In 2014, Chris Paul played a key role in the banning of Clippers owner Donald Sterling from the NBA, following Sterling's racist remarks.

2014: Played all 82 games and led the league in assists

In 2014-15, Chris Paul played in all 82 games for the first time in his career, averaging 19.1 points and a league-high 10.2 assists per game.

2015: Led Clippers on Winning Streak Despite Injuries

In January of the 2015–16 season, Chris Paul led the Clippers on a ten-game winning streak despite missing Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan at various points due to injury.

June 28, 2017: Traded to the Houston Rockets

On June 28, 2017, Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets from the Los Angeles Clippers for Patrick Beverley, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Lou Williams, Kyle Wiltjer, a future first-round pick, and cash considerations. Paul wanted to play with James Harden and opted into his contract to facilitate the trade.

2017: Debut with the Rockets

In 2017, Chris Paul debuted for the Rockets in their season-opening win against the Golden State Warriors, scoring four points. It was later revealed that he was playing through a knee injury and missed the next 14 games.

2017: Traded to Houston Rockets

In 2017, Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he helped the team achieve a franchise-record 65 wins in his first season.

January 26, 2018: Season-High 38 Points

On January 26, 2018, Chris Paul scored a season-high 38 points in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

July 8, 2018: Signed a Four-Year Contract Extension with the Rockets

On July 8, 2018, Chris Paul signed a four-year, $160 million maximum contract extension with the Houston Rockets.

July 16, 2019: Traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 16, 2019, Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder from the Houston Rockets along with draft picks, in exchange for Russell Westbrook.

2019: Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2019, Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a package for Russell Westbrook.

November 16, 2020: Traded to the Phoenix Suns

On November 16, 2020, Chris Paul was traded by the Thunder to the Phoenix Suns along with Abdel Nader for Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque, and a 2022 protected first-round pick.

2020: Traded to Phoenix Suns

In 2020, Chris Paul was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he reached the NBA Finals for the first time in his career in 2021.

February 1, 2021: Season-High 34 Points

On February 1, 2021, Chris Paul scored a season-high 34 points, along with nine rebounds and nine assists, in a close 109–108 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

August 7, 2021: Signed Contract Extension with the Suns

On August 7, 2021, Chris Paul signed a four-year contract extension with the Phoenix Suns worth up to $120 million.

2021: NBA Finals appearance with Phoenix Suns

In 2021, Chris Paul reached the NBA Finals for the first time in his career as a member of the Phoenix Suns. He also helped the team win a franchise-record 64 games the following season.

January 24, 2022: Win Against the Utah Jazz

On January 24, 2022, Chris Paul scored 27 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out 14 assists in a 115–109 win against the Utah Jazz.

January 22, 2023: Returned from Hip Injury

On January 22, 2023, Chris Paul returned to the lineup after missing the previous seven games with a hip injury, leading the Suns to an 112–110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies with 22 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and three steals.

June 2023: Published memoir "Sixty One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court"

In June 2023, Chris Paul published a memoir titled "Sixty One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court". The book covers his childhood, relationship with his grandfather, and basketball career.

Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court

Check it on Amazon

June 24, 2023: Traded to the Washington Wizards

On June 24, 2023, Chris Paul, along with Landry Shamet, four first-round pick swaps, and six second-round draft picks, was traded by the Suns to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd.

January 5, 2024: Fractured Left Hand

On January 5, 2024, Chris Paul fractured his left hand in a win over the Detroit Pistons, requiring surgery, though a return later in the season was expected.