Following their respective retirements from the NBA, former star guards Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul are planning a joint vacation alongside their wives to celebrate their storied careers, according to comments made by former player Matt Barnes on the podcast ALL THE SMOKE.
A Well-Earned Break for Two Definitive Point Guards
The 2010s era of NBA basketball featured some of the fiercest duels at the point guard position, largely defined by the relentless motors of Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul. Now, with both players having concluded their lengthy professional tenures, the fierce rivals are trading the hardwood for a stretch of sand. According to Barnes, who discussed the upcoming trip during his podcast appearance, the two longtime floor generals intend to kick back and reflect on their decades in the league together.
“Two days before, I talked to CP—that’s Chris Paul’s nickname—and he and Russ are going on vacation,” Barnes said on ALL THE SMOKE. “It’s interesting. Both of them are taking their wives on vacation. Two of the greatest point guards of the 2010s are going to stretch out their legs on the beach, have a drink, and truly celebrate their careers.”
Two Decades of Impactful Careers
The planned getaway follows retirement announcements from both veterans that mark the end of an era for modern basketball. Chris Paul officially brought his 21-year NBA career to a close earlier in the year, announcing on social media that, “After more than 21 years, it’s time to walk away from basketball.” Throughout his decorated 21-season run, the 40-year-old Paul earned 12 All-Star selections, was named to the All-NBA team 11 times, and earned a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He maintained his status as a premier floor general deep into his career, playing through the 2024–25 season.
Russell Westbrook followed suit, taking to social media to announce his retirement from the NBA after completing an 18-season career. Westbrook’s resume features a historic 2017 MVP campaign in which he averaged a triple-double over the course of the regular season, alongside nine All-Star nods and nine All-NBA selections. He leaves the game holding the NBA record for career triple-doubles, cementing his status as one of the most uniquely productive and durable players in league history.
From Competitive Rivalries to Shared Reflection
For over a decade, Westbrook and Paul stood at opposite ends of various battles, anchoring franchises like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers. Their upcoming vacation offers a stark pivot from the high-stakes pressure cooker of the NBA regular season and postseason sprints. Instead of game plans and scouting reports, the focus for the two veteran guards and their spouses will center on unwinding by the ocean and acknowledging the immense body of work they leave behind.
As the basketball world adjusts to a landscape without either player on an active roster, this celebratory trip serves as a fitting coda to two exceptional careers that shaped a generation of professional hoops.
