Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Chris Paul

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

Christopher Emmanuel Paul Sr., widely known as Chris Paul or "CP3", is a retired American professional basketball player considered one of the greatest point guards ever. His accolades include NBA Rookie of the Year, an NBA All-Star Game MVP, and two Olympic gold medals. He boasts five NBA assist titles and a record six steals titles. A 12-time NBA 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 president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013-2021. As one of the world's highest-paid athletes, he has endorsements with major brands like Jordan Brand and State Farm.

Sections (4)

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

April 15, 2005: Paul Hired an Agent and Turned Professional

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

2005: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2005, Chris Paul finished his debut season leading all rookies in total points, assists, steals, and double-doubles. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year, falling just one vote shy of winning the award unanimously.

2005: Drafted by the New Orleans Hornets

In 2005, Chris Paul was selected as the fourth overall pick in the NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets, marking the start of his professional basketball career.

2007: Selected to first NBA All-Star Game

Chris Paul was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game in 2007–08, playing in front of his home fans in New Orleans.

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: Finished second in NBA MVP voting

In 2008, Chris Paul finished second in NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting, highlighting his exceptional performance with the New Orleans Hornets.

January 26, 2009: Near Quadruple-Double against 76ers

On January 26, 2009, Chris Paul came close to recording a quadruple-double against the Philadelphia 76ers, with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists, and 7 steals.

2010: All-Star duo for Suns since 2010

In 2021, Chris Paul was selected to his 11th All-Star appearance. Paul and Devin Booker being named All-Stars made the first Suns duo since Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire in 2010 to be named All-Stars.

December 8, 2011: Hornets agree to trade Paul to Lakers

On December 8, 2011, the Hornets agreed to a three-team trade sending Chris Paul to the Lakers. The NBA, who owned the Hornets at the time, nullified the deal.

2011: Trade to Lakers voided, then traded to Clippers

During the 2011 offseason, a deal was organized to send Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the transaction was controversially voided by the NBA. He was instead dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers later that year.

2012: Trade to Clippers Completed

On December 14, 2011, Chris Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Minnesota Timberwolves' unprotected first-round pick in the 2012 draft, which was used to draft Austin Rivers.

August 21, 2013: Elected President of the NBPA

On August 21, 2013, Chris Paul was selected as president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).

2013: NBA All-Star Game MVP

At the 2013 All-Star Game, Chris Paul led the West to victory with a 20-point and 15-assist performance, earning his first NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award.

2013: Became president of the National Basketball Players Association

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

2013: Re-signed with 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 Banning Donald Sterling

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

2014: Played All 82 Games For The First Time

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.

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 in exchange for Patrick Beverley, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Lou Williams, Kyle Wiltjer, a future first-round pick, and cash considerations. The Clippers traded Paul because they were unwilling to offer him a contract extension. Paul wanted to play with James Harden and opted into the final year of his contract to make the trade happen.

2017: Debut for the Rockets and Knee Injury

In 2017, Chris Paul debuted for the Houston Rockets in a win against the Golden State Warriors, scoring only four points due to a knee injury. He subsequently missed 14 games. With Paul healthy, Houston became a championship contender with a top-ranked offense and defense, led by Paul and James Harden.

2017: Traded to the Houston Rockets

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

January 26, 2018: Season-High Points in Loss to Pelicans

On January 26, 2018, Chris Paul scored a season-high 38 points in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite Paul's efforts, the Rockets were defeated in this game.

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, securing his place with the team for the foreseeable future.

July 16, 2019: Traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 16, 2019, Chris Paul was traded by the Houston Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder along with draft picks, in exchange for Russell Westbrook, marking a new chapter in Paul's career on a rebuilding team.

2019: Traded to the 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 Oklahoma City 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. This marked another change of scenery for Paul as he joined the Suns.

2020: Traded to the 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 Points against the Mavericks

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 a Contract Extension with the Suns

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

2021: Reached NBA Finals 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.

2021: Selected to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Chris Paul was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing his contributions to basketball.

January 24, 2022: Scored 27 points against the 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: Return from Injury

On January 22, 2023, Chris Paul returned to the lineup after missing seven games due to a hip injury, contributing 22 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, and three steals in a win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

June 24, 2023: Traded to the Washington Wizards

On June 24, 2023, Chris Paul was traded by the Suns to the Washington Wizards along with draft picks for Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd.

January 5, 2024: Fractured his left hand

On January 5, 2024, Chris Paul fractured his left hand in the third quarter of a 113–109 win over the Detroit Pistons, which required a surgery, but was expected to return later during the season.

June 30, 2024: Waived by the Warriors

On June 30, 2024, Chris Paul was waived by the Golden State Warriors and became a free agent, marking another transition in his NBA career.

July 7, 2024: Signed with the San Antonio Spurs

On July 7, 2024, Chris Paul signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs. The decision to sign with the team stemmed from his desire to receive playing time rather than chasing a championship.