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., known as Chris Paul or "CP3", is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Widely considered 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 six times, earning selections to 12 All-Star teams, 11 All-NBA teams, and nine All-Defensive teams. In 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Paul also served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021 and has endorsement deals with major brands.

Sections (4)

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

1993: NBA Finals Appearance

In 1993 Chris Paul advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in his career and the Suns' first appearance since 1993

2004: Played against his brother

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

April 15, 2005: Announced Intention to Turn Professional

On April 15, 2005, Chris Paul announced his intention to hire an agent and turn professional, leaving college basketball.

2005: Drafted by the New Orleans Hornets and NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2005, Chris Paul was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets and was named NBA Rookie of the Year. During his debut season, the Hornets played most of their games in Oklahoma City due to Hurricane Katrina.

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, marking the beginning of his professional career.

2006: Debut for United States national team at FIBA World Championship

In 2006, Chris Paul debuted for the United States national team at the FIBA World Championship in Japan. He led the tournament with 44 assists and helped Team USA secure the bronze medal.

2007: Rookie Challenge Records

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

2007: First NBA All-Star Game

In 2007, Chris Paul was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game and played in front of his home fans in New Orleans. The Hornets finished the season with a franchise-record 56 wins.

2008: Second in MVP Voting

In 2008, Chris Paul finished second in NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting, highlighting his emergence as one of the league's top players.

2008: Key role in Olympics victory against Spain

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

2010: Western Conference Finals Appearance

In 2010 Chris Paul led the Suns to a 4-0 series sweep over the Nuggets for their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2010

December 8, 2011: Proposed Trade to Lakers Nullified

On December 8, 2011, a three-team trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers was nullified by the NBA.

2011: Trade to Lakers Voided, Traded to Clippers

During the 2011 offseason, a trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers was controversially voided by the NBA. He was instead traded to the Los Angeles Clippers later that year.

2012: Starting point guard at the London Olympics

In 2012, Chris Paul was the starting point guard for the United States at the Olympics in London, where he averaged 8.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, contributing to another gold medal and an undefeated tournament.

2012: Drafted Austin Rivers

In 2012, the Minnesota Timberwolves' unprotected first-round pick was used to draft Austin Rivers.

March 2, 2013: Wake Forest Retired Jersey

On March 2, 2013, Wake Forest retired Chris Paul's jersey, honoring his contributions to the university's basketball program.

August 21, 2013: Selected president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)

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

2013: NBA All-Star Game MVP

At the 2013 All-Star Game, Chris Paul earned his first NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award after leading the West to victory.

2013: President of the National Basketball Players Association

In 2013, Chris Paul was elected as the 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 the banning of Clippers owner 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.

2015: Led Clippers on a Winning Streak

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

June 28, 2017: Traded to 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. The Clippers traded Paul as they were unwilling to offer him a contract extension, and Paul opted into the final year of his contract to facilitate the trade, with interest in playing alongside James Harden.

2017: Debuts for Rockets

In 2017, Chris Paul debuted for the Rockets in their season-opening win over the defending champion Golden State Warriors. He scored only four points, played through a knee injury, and later missed 14 games. When healthy, he helped establish Houston as a championship contender.

January 26, 2018: Scores Season-High 38 Points

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

July 8, 2018: Signs Contract Extension with Rockets

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

2018: Purchased a minority ownership stake in the Winston-Salem Dash

In 2018, Chris Paul purchased a minority ownership stake in the Winston-Salem Dash, a minor league baseball team located in his hometown.

July 16, 2019: Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 16, 2019, Chris Paul was traded by the Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder along with draft picks and swaps 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 Phoenix Suns

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

2020: Traded to Phoenix Suns

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

February 1, 2021: Scores 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 win over the Dallas Mavericks while playing for the Phoenix Suns.

August 7, 2021: Signs Contract Extension with Suns

On August 7, 2021, Chris Paul signed a four-year contract extension with the Phoenix Suns 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: Inducted into Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame

In 2021, Chris Paul was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding athletic achievements at the university.

2021: Selected to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Chris Paul was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his place as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

January 24, 2022: Scores 27 Points 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.

2022: Draft Pick

In 2022, Chris Paul was part of a trade that involved the 2022 protected first-round pick.

January 22, 2023: Returns to Lineup After Hip Injury

On January 22, 2023, Chris Paul returned to the lineup after missing seven games with a hip injury, scoring 22 points and providing 11 assists in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

June 2023: Published memoir titled 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 recalls Paul's childhood, his relationship with his grandfather, his basketball careers, and stories from his professional NBA career.

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

Check it on Amazon

June 24, 2023: Traded to Washington Wizards

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

June 30, 2024: Waived by the Wizards

On June 30, 2024, Chris Paul was waived by the Wizards and became a free agent.

July 7, 2024: Signs with San Antonio Spurs

On July 7, 2024, Chris Paul signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs. He chose to sign with them because he wanted playing time.