SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 22: Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts to an official’s call during the second half against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on October 22, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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*UPDATE: Chris Paul has officially announced his retirement from the NBA on Instagram.

The Toronto Raptors finally made their decision on the veteran guard, Chris Paul.

As expected, the veteran guard was waived by the team on Friday, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

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This season certainly hasn’t gone as planned for Paul. Over the offseason, he reunited with the Los Angeles Clippers for a second stint, hoping he could ride off into the sunset with an NBA Championship on a team he spent six seasons with before.

Instead, the Clippers sent him home during a road trip, signaling the end of their partnership. It was a shocking turn of events after Paul played in 16 games for a Clippers team that shockingly struggled throughout the first phase of the season.

For months, Paul stayed on the roster. The Clippers were going to shop him around ahead of the trade deadline, in hopes of finding a proper suitor. They would find one in the Raptors, but Toronto didn’t plan to utilize Chris Paul in 2025-2026, despite being in the Eastern Conference’s playoff picture.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

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On the eve of the trade deadline, the Clippers picked up draft rights to Vanja Marinković in a three-team deal that sent Paul to the Raptors. As soon as his contract was moved, it was clear that Paul was unlikely to report, which led the Raptors to waive the guard.

Paul is currently on a one-year deal, worth $2.2 million. The 40-year-old is hitting the wire, where a team can claim him. If not, he’ll be free to explore other opportunities in free agency.

Last summer, Paul had a specific set of requirements in free agency. He wanted to be on a contender, and he wanted to be close to home. Being an LA resident, the Clippers made a ton of sense.

At this point, it’s unclear what’s next for the future Hall of Famer. Last season, he proved he still had gas left in the tank by playing all 82 games and posting averages of 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds.

With the Clippers, Paul struggled. He shot just 32 percent from the field, posting averages of 2.9 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 rebounds.

Last month, Paul made it clear he’s still staying in shape and staying ready for a run to finish out the year.

“I’m working out and training every day,” he said. “In all honesty, with the way that stuff went down, for me, I just love this game so much that I don’t want it to end like that. I’ve enjoyed the time, for sure. I get a chance to go to my kids’ games, but I don’t know what team I hope to finish with.”

It’s unclear what’s next for Chris Paul. Several players and analysts have urged teams to pursue Paul, but there isn’t a known concrete suitor at this time. In the coming days, there should be clarity.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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