New Delhi, Feb. 14 -- Chris Paul, one of the NBA's all-time great point guards, has officially retired after 21 remarkable seasons. The 40-year-old announced his decision on Instagram on Friday (February 13), shortly after the Toronto Raptors waived him following a recent trade from the Los Angeles Clippers.

"This is it! After over 21 years I'm stepping away from basketball," Paul wrote in his heartfelt post. "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! But, mostly I'm filled with so much joy and gratitude!"

Chris Paul returned to the Clippers last offseason on a one-year, $3.6 million deal, intending to play his final season close to his family in Lo...