Paul: I am not considering retirement at the moment and will evaluate the future with my family

Spurs star Chris Paul confirmed on Friday that he is not considering ending his career and said he will evaluate his future with his family this summer.

Chris Paul, 39, plays as a point guard and was selected by the New Orleans Hornets (later renamed the New Orleans Pelicans) with the fourth pick in the first round in 2005. After moving to the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, Paul signed a one-year, $11 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs in July 2024.

To date, Paul has made 77 appearances for the Spurs, averaging 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.26 steals in 28.0 minutes per game, with a shooting percentage of 42.8% and a three-point shooting percentage of 38.1%.

Paul will celebrate his 40th birthday on May 6 and enter his 20th NBA season. Despite this, he still expressed his determination to continue playing in the NBA in an interview with well-known basketball reporter Mark J. Spears: "I will be 40 years old in May, but I think I will continue to play. At the end of each season, I will comprehensively evaluate everything - whether to continue to play, how is my physical condition. As I get older, I will discuss more with my family and children. Their opinions are very important to me and have a great influence."

"I have a lot of brothers and friends who have retired," Paul added. "They always say, 'Man, play as many years as you can, as long as you can.' I appreciate their advice. But I always want to discuss retirement with my kids because being a father is my most important responsibility. I love playing basketball, but I love my kids and my family more. Anyone who has been involved in basketball knows that the sacrifice may last longer. I will reevaluate this summer and discuss the future with my family."

The Spurs currently have a record of 32 wins and 45 losses and may miss the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. Paul will become an unrestricted free agent after the end of this season. At that time, he can choose to leave the Spurs or consider renewing his contract to stay with the team.