Devin Booker paid tribute to Chris Paul following the veteran’s announcement of his retirement from the NBA this week. Once a formidable duo with the Phoenix Suns, Booker expressed deep admiration for Paul’s influence on the league and those around him. Their collaboration during the 2021 season helped lead the Suns to the NBA Finals, marking a significant chapter in both their careers.
Chris Paul’s Final NBA Chapter and Career Overview
Chris Paul’s final journey in the NBA saw him traded to the Toronto Raptors and subsequently waived after playing 16 games this season with the LA Clippers. Over his 21-season career, Paul also played for several other teams, including the New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, and Oklahoma City Thunder. His impact was felt across the league for over two decades.
Booker’s Words on Paul’s Enduring Legacy
Following Paul’s retirement news, the Phoenix Suns shared a video featuring Booker’s heartfelt statement:
“He’s had a lasting impact on this league and all of our lives in a way that can’t be described. Everyone in this building has felt his presence, and understands the magnitude of what he’s done for this game.” – Devin Booker
Paul’s 2021 season with the Suns was particularly notable, averaging 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field and over 39% from beyond the arc in 70 appearances.
Booker also praised Paul’s consistency, highlighting how he maintained at least 8.9 assists per game in each season with Phoenix.
“Congrats, @CP3 on an incredible career & the impact you made to the game!” – Phoenix Suns
Career Achievements and Franchise Impact
During his time with Phoenix, Paul earned two All-Star selections and two All-NBA honors, ranking second in franchise history for assists during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. He played a key role in the Suns’ franchise-record 64-18 season and their historic run to the NBA Finals.
“Chris Paul as a Sun: 🔸 15.1 PPG 🔸 4.4 RPG 🔸 9.5 APG (T-2nd in franchise history) 🔸 1.6 SPG 🔸 2x All-Star 🔸 2x All-NBA 🔸 2nd in Assists (2020-21, 2021-22) 🔸 1x NBA Finals appearance 🔸 Led Suns to a franchise record 64-18 season Legend.” – Booker Muse
Reactions Within the Basketball Community
Chris Paul’s retirement has sparked reflections on the nature of loyalty in professional sports. One commentator noted how Paul’s career conclusion reflected broader themes in sports business.
“The fact that Chris Paul career really just ended like that is exactly what James Harden was talking about. Loyalty is overrated in the business of sports.” – @OhhMar24
Current Status of Booker and the Suns
Now in his 11th season, Devin Booker continues to be a vital player for the Suns, averaging 25.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game across 43 contests this season. The Suns currently hold the seventh seed in the Western Conference with a 32-23 record and a 5-5 performance over their last ten games.
The team will next face the San Antonio Spurs, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama, in Texas on February 19. Despite recent struggles, including missing the playoffs last season even with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal on the roster, the Suns remain cautiously optimistic about their postseason prospects.
The Significance of Paul’s Career and Moving Forward
Chris Paul’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Suns and the NBA overall, closing a chapter defined by leadership and competitive excellence. Devin Booker’s tribute underscores the profound respect Paul earned throughout the league. As the Suns continue their current season, Paul’s legacy will remain a motivational benchmark for the team and its supporters moving forward.
https://twitter.com/Suns/status/2022749582200029628
Congrats, @CP3 on an incredible career & the impact you made to the game! pic.twitter.com/tDRINaCZtY
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 14, 2026
The fact that Chris Paul career really just ended like that is exactly what James Harden was talking about. Loyalty is overrated in the business of sports
— The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) February 13, 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrFATGV_oG4
Chris Paul as a Sun:
🔸 15.1 PPG
🔸 4.4 RPG
🔸 9.5 APG (T-2nd in franchise history)
🔸 1.6 SPG
🔸 2x All-Star
🔸 2x All-NBA
🔸 2nd in Assists (2020-21, 2021-22)
🔸 1x NBA Finals appearance
🔸 Led Suns to a franchise record 64-18 seasonLegend. pic.twitter.com/BleU2IeOKr
— Booker Muse (@DevinBookerMuse) February 13, 2026
