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 playing for the San Antonio Spurs. Considered among the greatest point guards ever, he boasts an NBA Rookie of the Year Award, an All-Star Game MVP Award, and two Olympic gold medals. Paul has led the NBA in assists five times and steals a record six times. He's a 12-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA team selection, and 9-time All-Defensive team selection. In 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He also served as the president of the National Basketball Players Association (2013-2021). Paul is also a highly-paid athlete with endorsements from Jordan Brand and State Farm.

Sections (4)

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

1993: Suns' First NBA Finals Appearance Since 1993

In 1993, the Suns advanced to the NBA Finals, marking their first appearance since 1993.

April 15, 2005: Turning Professional

On April 15, 2005, Chris Paul announced that he would be hiring an agent and turning professional, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

2005: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2005, Chris Paul was named NBA Rookie of the Year after leading all rookies in total points, assists, steals, and double-doubles. The Hornets played most of their games in Oklahoma City due to Hurricane Katrina.

2005: Selected 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 beginning of his professional basketball career.

2006: FIBA World Championship Debut

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

2007: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

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

2008: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors

In 2008, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors for the first time, and he led the NBA in steals for the first time.

2008: Second in MVP Voting

In 2008, Chris Paul finished second in NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting, highlighting his outstanding performance and impact on the New Orleans Hornets.

2008: Beijing Olympics Gold Medal

In 2008, at the Beijing Olympics, Chris Paul played a key role off the bench, scoring 13 points in a gold medal game victory against Spain. Team USA finished the competition with a perfect 8–0 record.

2009: Continued All-NBA, All-Defensive, and Steals Leadership

In 2009, Chris Paul continued to earn All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors, and he again led the NBA in steals and assists.

2010: Suns Duo Named All-Stars

In 2010, Chris Paul and Devin Booker were named as All-Stars, making them the first Suns duo to be named All-Stars since Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire.

2010: Western Conference Finals Appearance

In 2010, Chris Paul recorded 17 points, 15 assists, and 0 turnovers in a 123–98 victory.

December 8, 2011: Lakers Trade 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: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors, Steals Leadership

In 2011, Chris Paul received All-NBA honors, All-Defensive honors, and led the NBA in steals.

2011: Trade to Los Angeles Clippers

In 2011, Chris Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers after a previous deal with the Los Angeles Lakers was voided, marking a significant change in his career.

2012: London Olympics Gold Medal

In 2012, Chris Paul was the starting point guard at the London Olympics, averaging 8.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, leading Team USA to another gold medal and an undefeated tournament.

2012: Draft pick for Austin Rivers

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

March 2, 2013: Wake Forest Jersey Retirement

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

August 21, 2013: Elected 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 Award

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

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: Ranked third-best player in the league

In 2013, Chris Paul was ranked as the third-best player in the league by ESPN and Sports Illustrated.

2013: Second in assisted three-pointers

In 2013, Chris Paul was second in the league in assisted three-pointers, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

2013: Contract Re-signing 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 Sterling made.

2014: ESPN's Kevin Pelton calls Paul the league's best point guard and led the NBA in assists

In 2014, ESPN's Kevin Pelton called Chris Paul the league's best point guard, and he led the NBA in assists.

2015: Led the NBA in assists

In 2015, Chris Paul led the NBA in assists.

2015: League leader in shooting percentage from the right elbow

In 2015, Chris Paul led the league in shooting percentage from the right elbow, demonstrating his proficiency as a deft midrange shooter.

2016: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors

In 2016, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors.

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 multiple players and draft picks. Paul wanted to play with James Harden and opted into his contract to facilitate the trade.

2017: Rockets Debut

In 2017, Chris Paul debuted for the Houston Rockets with a win over the Golden State Warriors. During the game, he played through a knee injury.

2017: All-Defensive Honors

In 2017, Chris Paul received All-Defensive honors.

2017: Trade to the 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 debut season.

January 26, 2018: Season-High 38 Points

On January 26, 2018, Chris Paul scored a season-high 38 points in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, though the Rockets lost the game.

July 8, 2018: Signed Contract Extension with 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 by the Rockets in exchange for Russell Westbrook, two protected first-round draft picks, and two first-round pick swaps.

2019: Trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2019, Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a package for Russell Westbrook, marking another transition in his career.

November 16, 2020: Traded to Phoenix Suns

On November 16, 2020, Chris Paul was traded by the Thunder to the Phoenix Suns along with Abdel Nader for multiple players and a 2022 protected first-round pick.

2020: All-NBA Honors

In 2020, Chris Paul was recognized with All-NBA honors.

2020: Trade 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 and Assists

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

August 7, 2021: Signed 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 with the Phoenix Suns.

2021: All-NBA Honors

In 2021, Chris Paul received All-NBA honors.

2021: Inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame

In 2021, Chris Paul was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame, further solidifying his legacy at the university.

2021: Selected to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Chris Paul was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing his outstanding career and achievements in basketball.

January 24, 2022: 27 Points, Nine Rebounds and 14 Assists

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.

October 23, 2022: Joined 11,000 Assists Club

On October 23, 2022, Chris Paul recorded eleven assists in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers and became the first player in the league with 20,000 points and 11,000 assists.

2022: All-NBA Honors and Assists Leadership

In 2022, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and led the NBA in assists.

2022: Protected First-Round Pick

In 2022, Chris Paul was traded to the Phoenix Suns with a protected first-round pick.

January 22, 2023: Return to Lineup After Injury

On January 22, 2023, Chris Paul returned to the lineup after missing seven games, contributing 22 points and 11 assists 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 Landry Shamet, four first-round pick swaps, and six second-round draft picks for Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd.