Not Ready to Retire! Where Will the 40-Year-Old Chris Paul Go Next?

Chris Paul has always been a player who defies the odds. With his nearly impeccable basketball IQ, unmatched playmaking ability, and a relentless desire to win, the 38-year-old has already cemented himself as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Yet, as he approaches his 40th birthday in May, the question on everyone’s mind is: how much longer can the "Point God" continue to play at a high level? Will he retire, or does he have one more chapter to write in his illustrious career?

Recent comments from Paul himself suggest that he’s far from hanging up his sneakers just yet. In a recent interview, he reflected on his future, saying, "I’ll be 40 in May, yes, I think I’ll keep playing. At the end of each season, I do a full assessment — my performance, my body, everything." Paul, however, emphasized that his family’s input would weigh heavily on his decision, especially as his children grow older. While he remains deeply passionate about the game, Paul made it clear that the next few months would involve not only evaluating his body and performance but also consulting with his loved ones before making any decisions about his future.

This open-minded approach is not unexpected for a player who's spent almost two decades in the league, but it does raise an important question: at 40, does Chris Paul still have enough gas left in the tank to continue playing at a high level? And, if he does, what’s next for him?

Defying Father Time: Paul's Impressive Stats This Season

While most players are well past their prime by the time they hit 40, Paul is doing something that few players before him have managed: he’s still contributing significantly to his team. This season, playing for the San Antonio Spurs, Paul has appeared in all 76 games so far, a remarkable feat for a player entering his 20th season in the NBA. In these games, Paul has averaged 28 minutes, putting up 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His shooting splits are solid, with 42.8% from the field, 38.3% from three, and 94.0% from the free-throw line — impressive numbers for any player, let alone someone on the brink of 40.

His true shooting percentage stands at 58.6%, a testament to his continued efficiency despite his age. In fact, when you look at his stats compared to last season, Paul is noticeably improved.

Last year with the Golden State Warriors, Paul averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 58 games. His shooting splits were slightly lower, at 44.1% from the field, 37.1% from three, and 82.7% from the free-throw line, with a true shooting percentage of 54.4%. Paul’s role on the Warriors was somewhat diminished, as he accepted a bench role for the first time in his career. This was a significant adjustment, and at times, Paul was asked to step aside in favor of younger players, such as Moses Moody and James Wiseman, which left him with less responsibility on offense.

The transition to the Spurs, however, has seen Paul return to a starting role at point guard, where he’s been much more comfortable. Although his usage rate has decreased slightly, his efficiency has improved, and his three-point shooting is at its second-highest mark since leaving the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul remains one of the best floor generals in the league, and his assist-to-turnover ratio — one of his hallmark stats — is still remarkable. This season, he has posted 574 assists to just 118 turnovers, which gives him an assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.86 — the second-best of his career.

Chris Paul and the San Antonio Spurs: A Symbiotic Relationship

While the Spurs are still in the process of rebuilding, there’s no denying that Paul’s presence has had a tangible impact on the team. Last season, the Spurs won just 22 games, but with Paul at the helm this year, the team has already secured 32 wins, with more games still to be played.

Despite the loss of Victor Wembanyama to a blood clot, Paul’s leadership has been invaluable. When Paul is on the floor, the Spurs’ offense is markedly better:

• With Paul on the court, the Spurs score 115.1 points per 100 possessions, winning by an average of 2.8 points.

• When Paul sits, the Spurs’ scoring drops to 104.4 points per 100 possessions, and they lose by an average of 8.2 points.

This stark difference shows that Paul’s playmaking and leadership are still critical to the Spurs’ success. He has formed a strong on-court chemistry with Wembanyama, and together, they’ve led the Spurs to some of their best stretches of the season. When they share the floor, the team’s net rating jumps to +6.2 points per 100 possessions. The Spurs' most-used lineup — featuring Paul, Keldon Johnson, Devonte' Graham, Wembanyama, and Zach Collins — has produced a +12.6 net rating per 100 possessions, illustrating the impact of Paul’s steady hand in organizing the offense.

Unfortunately, with Wembanyama out of the picture, the Spurs' chances of making the playoffs have been greatly diminished. While it’s clear that Paul’s veteran presence has been valuable, the team’s overall performance still hinges on the growth and development of their younger players, especially Wembanyama. If he had remained healthy, the Spurs would likely have been much closer to playoff contention, and Paul might have found himself in a position to contribute in meaningful postseason games. But as things stand now, Paul is on the verge of missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season — the first time in his career he has failed to make the postseason in back-to-back years.

Chris Paul's Next Move: Will He Stay with the Spurs or Move On?

As the season draws to a close, the question remains: will Chris Paul finish his career in San Antonio, or is there a more fitting destination for him? The Spurs may not be a contender just yet, and with the rise of Dejounte Murray and the eventual return of Wembanyama, the future could see the team pushing for a title. However, Paul’s role on the Spurs may not be sustainable long term. With young talents like Trey Jones and Malaki Branham emerging, it’s unclear whether there will be enough room for Paul to maintain his starting spot, let alone his crucial offensive role.

At this stage of his career, Paul would likely prefer to join a contender. Teams with championship aspirations, especially those lacking a reliable point guard, might be eager to bring in a veteran like Paul who can help guide them through the postseason. The question, however, is whether teams are willing to invest in a 40-year-old point guard who isn’t quite the player he once was. While he remains highly skilled, Paul’s defense and shooting consistency in the playoffs are legitimate concerns for any contender.

Potential Landing Spots

Several teams could potentially benefit from having Chris Paul on their roster. Teams like the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns might be looking for an experienced guard to come off the bench and provide stability during crunch-time moments in the playoffs. The Heat, with their veteran core, would love a player like Paul to help lead their second unit and take over the reins when needed. Similarly, the Lakers could use a proven playmaker alongside LeBron James, and Paul could offer the floor spacing and leadership the team desperately needs.

For Paul, a move to a contending team would likely increase his chances of adding a much-coveted championship ring to his collection. At this stage of his career, that is likely to be his primary motivation — finding a team where he can make the most impact in the postseason.

Chris Paul's Legacy

Regardless of where Paul ends up, his legacy is already secure. Few players in NBA history have done more with less, and even fewer have had the longevity and success that Paul has enjoyed. He is the quintessential floor general, a player whose vision and basketball IQ have shaped the way point guards are evaluated in today’s game. Whether he retires next season or continues to play for another few years, Paul’s place in the history books is already cemented. His story is one of resilience, consistency, and leadership — a point guard who played for the love of the game and, along the way, changed the way the position is played.

So, where will Chris Paul go from here? It remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: whether with the Spurs or on a championship-contending team, Chris Paul still has a lot of basketball left in him. And with the fire still burning inside, the future is just as wide open as his incredible career.