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 acclaimed American professional basketball player currently playing for the Toronto Raptors. Considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, he has an impressive list of accolades, including NBA Rookie of the Year, an NBA All-Star Game MVP, 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, and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. He served as the president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021 and holds lucrative endorsement deals with major companies like Jordan Brand and State Farm.

Sections (4)

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

1993: Suns' Last Finals Appearance

In 1993, the Phoenix Suns made their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1993. Chris Paul was instrumental in leading the team to this achievement.

April 15, 2005: Declared for the NBA Draft

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

2005: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2005, Chris Paul was named NBA Rookie of the Year with the New Orleans Hornets.

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.

2007: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

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

2008: Runner-Up for NBA MVP

In 2008, Chris Paul finished second in NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting.

2009: Hornets Fired Coach Byron Scott

After a slow start to the 2009-10 season, the Hornets fired coach Byron Scott.

2010: Western Conference Finals Appearance

In 2010, Chris Paul recorded 17 points, 15 assists, and 0 turnovers in a 123–98 victory against the Denver Nuggets. He also led the Suns to a 4–0 series sweep over the Nuggets for their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2010.

December 8, 2011: Hornets Agreed to Three-Team Trade Sending Paul to the Lakers

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

2011: Trade to Lakers Voided, Traded to Clippers

During the 2011 offseason, a deal to send Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers was voided by the NBA. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers later that year.

2012: Traded to the Los Angeles Clippers

In 2012 Chris Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers

August 21, 2013: Elected President of the NBPA

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

2013: Paul Served as President of the NBPA

In 2013, Chris Paul began serving as the president of the National Basketball Players Association.

2013: Named NBA All-Star Game MVP

In 2013, Chris Paul led the West to victory with 20 points and 15 assists, earning his first NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award.

2013: Ranking and Assisted Three-Pointers

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

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.

2015: Led Clippers on Ten-Game Winning Streak

In January of the 2015–16 NBA 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 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 opted into the final year of his contract to facilitate the trade to play alongside James Harden.

2017: Rockets Debut

In 2017, Chris Paul debuted for the Houston Rockets, securing a win against the Golden State Warriors. However, he was playing through a knee injury, which caused him to miss the next 14 games. Later in the year, with Paul healthy, Houston became a championship contender, boasting the league's top-ranked offense and a top-ten defense.

2017: Traded to Houston Rockets

In 2017, Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets.

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 $160 Million 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 from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Russell Westbrook, two protected first-round draft picks, and two first-round pick swaps.

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 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.

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 109–108 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

August 7, 2021: Signs 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: 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.

January 24, 2022: Scores 27 Points Against 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 included a protected first round pick.

2022: Named NBA All-Star Reserve

In 2022, Chris Paul was named a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game and recorded his 50th career game with 10 assists or more with no turnovers. Later that year, he broke his right thumb and returned from it to help the Suns wrap up the top seed in the NBA playoffs. He also surpassed Gary Payton for fourth on the NBA all-time career steals list and became the first player in NBA history to be part of four teams to set a franchise record for victories in a single season.

January 22, 2023: Returns After Injury

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

June 2023: Publication of 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", recalling his childhood, family relationships, and basketball 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, along with Landry Shamet, four first-round pick swaps, and six second-round draft picks, to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd.