LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP)—Chris Paul, a 12-time NBA All-Star point guard, announced his retirement on Friday in a social media post after the 40-year-old American was released by the Toronto Raptors.

“This is it! After 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” Paul posted on Instagram after being dropped following his trade to Toronto by the Los Angeles Clippers last week.

Paul has averaged 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals a game over 1,370 career NBA games for New Orleans, Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Golden State, San Antonio and the Clippers.

The 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year was a two-time Olympic champion with the US squad of NBA stars, winning in 2008 at Beijing and 2012 in London.

“After 21 remarkable seasons, Chris Paul retires as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and a true steward of our sport,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.

“From the moment he entered the league, Chris distinguished himself with his savvy playmaking skills, elite competitiveness and intense work ethic.”

Paul had played for four clubs in the past four years and decided it was time to retire after the Raptors released him.

“As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once — most people would be surprised — I don’t have the answer lol!” Paul posted.

“But, mostly I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an ‘NBA player’ is done, the game of basketball will forever be ingrained in the DNA of my life.

“I’ve been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades. It’s crazy even saying that!”

Paul, the NBA 2013 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, stressed how much he simply enjoyed playing in the NBA.

“Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility,” Paul wrote. “I embraced it all. The good and the bad.

“As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and is not for the weak. Some will like you and many people won’t. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!!)”

Paul never played on an NBA championship team, coming the closest in 2021 when, as a member of the Phoenix Suns, he reached the NBA Finals, only to lose to Milwaukee.

– ‘Extraordinary career’ –

Paul had not played since December 1, the Clippers moving away from him after a 5-16 start but never releasing him and saving money under NBA salary cap rules in the trade.

His career also included a stint as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021, helping the union secure collective bargaining agreements with the league.

“He also poured enormous time and energy into his role as President of the Players Association –- offering thoughtful and principled perspectives to strengthen our game and our business,” Silver said.

“His leadership on behalf of the players was essential in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, helping guide the league through a pandemic, addressing important societal issues and so much more.

“On behalf of the NBA, I congratulate Chris on an extraordinary career and thank him for his friendship, partnership and lasting contributions to our game.”