Paul publicly announced: Retire after the fight! Can the last season realize your dream?

On July 7, the legendary point guard, who was the 12th All-Star, the second-place & steals list, announced on the show that the 2025-26 season will be his last dance and then officially retired.

This news instantly ignited the NBA circle and made fans look forward to how the final chapter of his career will be written.

Although he is 40 years old, Paul still has clear requirements for his role - he must start next season. This condition makes his free market choice extremely limited:

The Clippers have renewed their contract with Harden, and Paul can only play as a substitute if he joins.

The Lakers have three ball-holders, James, Doncic and Rivers, and the starting point guard position is also crowded.

Although the Bucks and the Suns are interested in introducing them, Paul hopes to stay in Los Angeles to accompany his family.

Last season, Paul signed with the Spurs with 11 million in one year, playing 82 starts, and averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game, proving that he is still competent for the start. But the Spurs selected second-place point guard Dylan Harper this year, plus best rookie Stephen Castle, Paul's departure is a foregone conclusion.

Looking back on Paul's past 21 seasons, he has been full of honor. As the former God of point guard, Paul has played in a total of 1,354 regular season games (starting 1,314 games), averaging 17 points, 9.2 assists and 2 steals per game, winning the 5 assist king and 6 steals king. He is second in the & steals list in the historical assist list, second only to Stockton.

However, Wu Guan became his greatest regret. In 2021, he led the Suns to the finals, but lost to the Bucks. Now, the chances of winning the championship in the final season are slim, but Paul still hopes to end the curtain gracefully as the starter.

Paul has two unfinished dreams in his career:

Joined the Lakers - the transaction was rejected by the league in 2011. Can he join forces with his friend James now?

Return to the Clippers - He once led the "Air Connection City" for 6 years. Can he continue his previous relationship?

But the reality is cruel:

The Lakers need more defensive guards, and Paul's age and defensive decline are hidden dangers.

The Clippers already have Harden. If Paul insists on starting, it will be almost impossible to negotiate. From "Queen Bee" to "God of Point Guard", Paul's 21-year career has defined the peak of traditional point guards. Although the destination of the final season has not yet been determined, fans have begun to miss his precise pass, cold-blooded mid-range shot and never-give up fighting spirit.