History of Chris Paul in Timeline
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.
May 6, 1985: Christopher Emmanuel Paul Sr. Born
On May 6, 1985, Christopher Emmanuel Paul Sr., nicknamed "CP3" and "the Point God", was born. He is considered one of the greatest point guards of all time.
2004: Game Against Brother C.J.
In 2004, Chris Paul played against his brother, C.J., when Wake Forest had a preseason exhibition with USC Upstate.
January 15, 2005: Victory Over North Carolina
On January 15, 2005, Chris Paul had 26 points and eight assists in a victory over rival North Carolina.
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: Rookie Challenge Records
At the 2007 All-Star Weekend, Chris Paul set new Rookie Challenge records with 17 assists and 9 steals.
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: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors, NBA Steals and Assists Leader
In 2008, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors. In 2008, he also led the NBA in steals and assists.
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.
2008: Christian Faith and Church Attendance
In 2008, Chris Paul stated that he is a Christian and attends church when he can.
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.
2009: Hornets fired coach Byron Scott
After a slow start to the 2009–10 season, the Hornets fired coach Byron Scott.
2009: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors, NBA Steals and Assists Leader
In 2009, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors. In 2009, he also led the NBA in steals and assists.
February 2010: Knee injury sidelines Paul
In early February 2010, Chris Paul tore cartilage in his left knee and was sidelined for over a month by surgery, forcing him to miss the All-Star Game.
2010: Concussion after collision with Ramon Sessions
In 2010–11, Chris Paul suffered a concussion on March 6 after colliding with Cavaliers guard Ramon Sessions and being carried off the court on a stretcher.
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.
September 10, 2011: Marriage to Jada Crawley
On September 10, 2011, Chris Paul married his college sweetheart, Jada Crawley.
November 11, 2011: Appearance on Family Feud
On November 11, 2011, Chris Paul appeared with his family on Family Feud.
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.
2011: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors, NBA Steals Leader
In 2011, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors. In 2011, he also led the NBA in steals.
2012: Purchase of Bel Air Mansion
In 2012, Chris Paul bought a Mediterranean-style mansion in Bel Air from Avril Lavigne for $8.5 million.
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.
March 2, 2013: Wake Forest retired Paul's jersey
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 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: Ranked Among League's Best Players
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.
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: NBA Assists Leader
In 2014, Chris Paul led the NBA in assists. He was also called the league's best point guard by ESPN's Kevin Pelton.
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.
2015: Shooting Percentage Leader
In 2015, Chris Paul led the league in shooting percentage from the right elbow.
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.
2016: All-Star nod since 2016
Chris Paul was selected to his 10th All-Star nod, and first since 2016, being named a Western Conference reserve.
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: All-Defensive Honor
In 2017, Chris Paul earned All-Defensive honor.
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.
2018: Minority Ownership Stake in Winston-Salem Dash
In 2018, Chris Paul purchased a minority ownership stake in the Winston-Salem Dash, a minor league baseball team.
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: Vegan Lifestyle and Partnership with Beyond Meat
In 2019, Chris Paul became a vegan and a brand ambassador for Beyond Meat.
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: Inducted into Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame
In 2021, Chris Paul was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his accomplishments during his time at the university.
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.
October 23, 2022: Milestone 11,000 Assists
On October 23, 2022, Chris Paul recorded seven points, eight rebounds, and eleven assists in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers. This achievement made him one of only three players in NBA history with 11,000 assists.
2022: All-NBA Honor, NBA Assists Leader and Ranked Among NBA's Greatest Players
In 2022, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honor and also led the NBA in assists. Also in 2022, he was ranked as the 30th-greatest player in NBA history by The Athletic.
2022: Named a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game
On February 3, 2022, Chris Paul was named a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, marking another recognition of his contributions to the sport. In the same game, Paul recorded 18 points, 12 assists, and three steals in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
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.
December 8, 2024: Passed Kidd for second all-time in career assists
On December 8, 2024, Chris Paul passed Jason Kidd for second all-time in career assists.
2024: Signed with the Spurs
In 2024, Chris Paul signed with the Spurs before returning to the Clippers in 2025.
February 20, 2025: Passed Kidd for second all-time in career steals
On February 20, 2025, Chris Paul passed Jason Kidd for second all-time in career steals.
2025: Returned to the Clippers
In 2025, Chris Paul returned to the Clippers after signing with the Spurs in 2024.
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