Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history, recently decided to retire, closing the curtain on a career full of incredible highs and devastating injuries. After battling through knee problems and transitioning into a veteran role in recent years, Rose’s decision to step away feels like the end of an era. With his departure as a backdrop, it raises the question: which other veteran stars could be playing their final season in 2024-25? Let’s take a look at five players who might follow in Rose’s footsteps.
1. Chris Paul
Chris Paul is entering the 2024-25 season with the San Antonio Spurs after signing a one-year deal worth $10.46 million. This season might be Paul’s swan song in the NBA, as he’s nearing 40 and his body has struggled to keep up with the physical demands of the league. After being waived by the Warriors, Paul’s move to the Spurs suggests he’s embracing a new role: that of a mentor to the younger generation, especially the rising star Victor Wembanyama.
Last season, Paul faced significant challenges with injuries, playing in only 58 games and averaging 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. These numbers, while respectable, are a far cry from the All-Star numbers he used to put up. Despite these struggles, Paul’s basketball IQ remains one of the highest in the league, allowing him to still make an impact on the court, even if his athleticism has diminished.
Paul’s decision to sign with the Spurs is likely driven by the opportunity to guide a team full of young talent. Players like Wembanyama and Stephon Castle will benefit immensely from Paul’s experience and leadership, both on and off the court. As Paul enters what could be his final season, his focus has shifted from personal accolades to mentoring and leaving a lasting legacy in the NBA.
What makes this season so intriguing for Paul is that he might finally find himself in a role where expectations are different. He no longer needs to be the floor general of a contender, but instead, a stabilizing veteran presence on a young, rebuilding team. This transition could help ease him into retirement, as he’s no longer carrying the same pressure to perform at an elite level.
All signs point to Chris Paul wrapping up his career after this season. His age, injuries, and the nature of his current contract suggest that he’s preparing for life after basketball. While he may not leave with the elusive championship ring he’s been chasing, Paul’s place in the Hall of Fame is already guaranteed, cementing him as one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game.
2. Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry, now 38, signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2024-25 season. After an eventful stint with the Miami Heat and a brief buyout from the Charlotte Hornets, Lowry returns to his hometown in hopes of making one final playoff push. The deal, worth $3.3 million, positions him as a key veteran presence, likely backing up Tyrese Maxey in a strong 76ers roster that also features stars like Joel Embiid and newly acquired Paul George.
Last season, Lowry averaged 8.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in his 23 games with the Sixers after joining the team via buyout in the middle of the season. Although reduced minutes and a smaller role, he proved he still has the basketball IQ and leadership to contribute, especially from beyond the arc, shooting a strong 40.4% from three.
Though Lowry has clearly transitioned to more of a mentorship role, he has shown no signs of wanting to retire just yet. When asked about his future, he made it clear that he still has basketball left in him, dismissing any talk of hanging it up after this season. However, he reiterated his longstanding commitment to retire as a Toronto Raptor when the time comes, with plans to sign a one-day contract with the team where he won a championship in 2019.
This season in Philadelphia, Lowry will be expected to guide younger players while also providing crucial minutes in a competitive Eastern Conference. The 76ers, with their revamped roster, are aiming for a deep playoff run, and Lowry’s experience could be invaluable in high-pressure moments.
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this could be the final chapter for Lowry, who is already destined for the Hall of Fame. His legacy as a champion, six-time All-Star, and one of the most respected leaders in the game is firmly secured, regardless of when he chooses to walk away from the court.
3. Al Horford
Al Horford, entering his 18th season in the NBA, has confirmed that retirement isn’t on his mind just yet. Fresh off helping the Boston Celtics secure their 2024 NBA Championship, Horford is returning for the 2024-25 season. At 38, he remains under contract with the Celtics on a two-year, $19.5 million deal, with this being the final year. Horford played a significant role last season, averaging 9.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in the playoffs, and is expected to continue as a leader on a championship-contending team.
Horford has reiterated that he feels physically and mentally prepared for another season, stating that he doesn’t plan on stepping away from the game just yet. His role has shifted slightly, with fewer minutes during the regular season, but the Celtics value his veteran leadership and ability to perform in critical moments. Although retirement rumors have swirled, Horford’s commitment to the Celtics remains strong, as he looks to help the team defend their title.
Throughout his career, Horford has been known for his defensive versatility, basketball IQ, and playoff experience. Last season, he logged over 30 minutes per game in the playoffs, proving that he can still contribute at a high level. With the Celtics continuing to chase championships, Horford’s presence is crucial, both on the court and in the locker room.
As of now, there are no concrete plans for when Horford will retire, but there is speculation that this could be his final season, especially given his age and the fact that this is the last year of his contract. Still, if he continues to feel as good as he does now, there’s a possibility he could extend his career even further.
Whether this is his last run or not, Horford’s legacy is already secure. With over 17 seasons of experience and an NBA championship under his belt, he has earned his place as one of the most respected and impactful big men of his generation. For now, all eyes are on how much more he can contribute as the Celtics aim for another deep playoff run.
4. P.J. Tucker
P.J. Tucker is gearing up for the 2024-25 NBA season after picking up his $11.54 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers. At 39 years old, Tucker remains one of the league’s oldest active players, but he’s showing no signs of immediate retirement. While his role diminished last season—averaging just 1.7 points and 2.7 rebounds over 31 games—Tucker’s veteran leadership and defensive toughness keep him valuable to contending teams like the Clippers.
After arriving in Los Angeles as part of the James Harden trade, Tucker’s impact was primarily off the court. Despite playing limited minutes, his experience and ability to guard multiple positions still make him a candidate for key playoff rotations, especially with his ability to defend on the perimeter.
Retirement rumors have been circulating given his age, but for now, Tucker is committed to making the most of this season with the Clippers. His current contract expires at the end of this year, and while no formal retirement plans have been announced, it’s expected that Tucker may consider calling it quits if his role continues to diminish or if he doesn’t see significant minutes.
Tucker has enjoyed a long and successful career, carving out a niche as one of the toughest defenders in the NBA and a crucial three-and-D player for multiple playoff teams, including the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks, with whom he won a championship in 2021. As one of the league’s most well-respected veterans, Tucker’s legacy will endure, even if this season proves to be his last.
5. Jeff Green
Jeff Green is set to enter his 18th NBA season, with the Houston Rockets having guaranteed his $8 million salary. At 38 years old, Green is one of the league’s most experienced veterans, continuing to play a solid rotation role for the Rockets last season. Despite seeing his minutes drop to 16.8 per game, Green appeared in 78 games, averaging 6.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and shooting 45.6% from the field.
The Rockets see value in keeping Green for another year, not just because of his on-court production but also for his leadership in a young locker room. He has become a mentor figure for Houston’s rising stars, such as Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson. His ability to contribute in key moments, especially in late-game situations, makes him a valuable asset for the Rockets as they develop their younger core.
While Green hasn’t publicly discussed retirement, the fact that he’s entering the final year of his contract and is one of the oldest players in the league suggests that this season could potentially be his last. However, his performance and health will likely dictate how long he continues in the league.
Regardless of when he decides to retire, Green’s longevity in the league and his ability to adapt to different roles have cemented his legacy as one of the most respected veterans in the NBA. For now, he remains focused on helping the Rockets both on and off the court.
