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. Considered one of the greatest point guards ever, Paul's accolades include NBA Rookie of the Year, an All-Star Game MVP, two Olympic gold medals, and multiple league assist and steal titles. He's a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, and 9-time All-Defensive team member. In 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He served as the National Basketball Players Association president from 2013-2021. Paul is also one of the world's highest-paid athletes with endorsements from brands like Jordan and State Farm.

Sections (4)

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

2004: Played Against Brother C.J.

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

April 15, 2005: Paul Announced 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: 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 career.

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, capping off a successful debut season where he led all rookies in total points, assists, steals, and double-doubles.

2006: FIBA World Championship

In 2006, Chris Paul made his debut for the United States national team at the FIBA World Championship in Japan. He finished the competition with a tournament-high 44 assists, helping Team USA win the bronze medal.

2007: Selected to First NBA All-Star Game

In the 2007-08 season, Chris Paul was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game while playing for the New Orleans Hornets.

2008: Second in MVP Voting

In 2008, Chris Paul finished second in the NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting, recognizing his outstanding performance with the Hornets.

2008: Olympics in Beijing

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

2009: Hornets fired coach Byron Scott

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

November 11, 2011: Appeared on Family Feud

On November 11, 2011, Chris Paul appeared with his family on the "Family Feud" TV show.

December 8, 2011: Lakers Trade Nullified

On December 8, 2011, a three-team trade sending Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers was agreed upon but nullified by the NBA, who owned the Hornets at the time.

2011: Trade to Lakers Voided

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.

2012: Olympics in London

In 2012, Chris Paul was promoted to the starting point guard position for the Olympics in London, averaging 8.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game en route to another gold medal and undefeated tournament.

2012: Drafted Austin Rivers

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

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

On August 21, 2013, Chris Paul was elected 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 led the West to victory and earned his first NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award with a 20-point and 15-assist performance.

2013: Paul became 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: Second in Assisted Three-Pointers

In 2013, Chris Paul was second in the league in assisted three-pointers, showcasing his playmaking abilities.

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

In the 2014-15 season, 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 League in Shooting Percentage

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

2015: Led Clippers on 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.

2016: Selected to All-Star nod

In 2016, Chris Paul was selected to his 10th All-Star nod.

June 28, 2017: Trade to the Houston Rockets

On June 28, 2017, Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets from the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers received Patrick Beverley, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Lou Williams, Kyle Wiltjer, a future first-round pick, and cash considerations in exchange for Paul.

2017: Debut for the Rockets

In 2017, Chris Paul debuted for the Houston Rockets in their season-opening win over the defending champion Golden State Warriors. He scored only four points on 2-for-9 shooting. He missed the next 14 games due to a knee injury.

2017: Traded to the Houston Rockets

In 2017, Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he contributed to the team's franchise-record 65 wins in his debut season.

January 26, 2018: Season-High Scoring Performance

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

July 8, 2018: Contract Extension with the Rockets

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

2018: Purchased Stake in 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: Trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 16, 2019, Chris Paul was traded by the Houston Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The trade included two protected first-round draft picks, two first-round pick swaps, and Russell Westbrook was received in exchange.

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: Trade to the Phoenix Suns

On November 16, 2020, Chris Paul was traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Phoenix Suns. Abdel Nader was also traded to the Suns, while Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque, and a 2022 protected first-round pick were sent to the Thunder.

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 Scoring Performance

On February 1, 2021, Chris Paul scored a season-high 34 points for the Phoenix Suns in a 109–108 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

August 7, 2021: 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 the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns

In 2021, playing for the Phoenix Suns, Chris Paul reached the NBA Finals for the first time in his career.

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.

2022: Named a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.

In 2022, Before a game against the Atlanta Hawks, Chris Paul was named a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.

January 22, 2023: Return from Hip Injury

On January 22, 2023, Chris Paul returned to the Phoenix Suns' lineup after missing the previous seven games due to a hip injury. He recorded 22 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, and three steals in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

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

In June 2023, Chris Paul published his memoir, "Sixty One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court," which recounts 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: Trade to the Washington Wizards

On June 24, 2023, Chris Paul was traded by the Phoenix 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.

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.

July 7, 2024: Signs with the San Antonio Spurs

On July 7, 2024, Chris Paul signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs.

December 8, 2024: Passed Jason Kidd for Second All-Time

On December 8, 2024, Chris Paul passed Jason Kidd for second all-time in career assists.

2024: Signed with the San Antonio Spurs

In 2024, Chris Paul signed with the San Antonio Spurs, after a stint with the Golden State Warriors where he came off the bench for the first time in his career.