Chris Paul, the Golden State Warriors guard, has been experiencing a gradual decline over the past few seasons, indicating the inevitable march of time.

It seems he’s now transitioning to a role in sports broadcasting, as he’s set to appear as a guest analyst on NBA Countdown during the upcoming Eastern Conference Finals, according to ESPN PR. This move follows some fans misinterpreting the announcement as a retirement declaration, prompting humorous reactions.

Some fans expressed surprise and humor, leading to questions about whether Paul should consider retiring soon.

Chris Paul will probably only play one more season with the Warriors at most

Paul is coming off of his worst season ever, averaging 9.2 points per game on 44.1% shooting, with 3.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists across 26.4 minutes. These were career-low averages across the board, except for the assists, which ranked 12th in the league. The 39-year-old also started just 18 games, 27 below his second-lowest total.

Paul has nothing to be ashamed of, as most players don’t even last 19 years in the NBA, let alone play significant minutes off the bench for a Play-In team.

However, it’s hard not to wonder what the four-time All-NBA first-team honoree realistically has left to accomplish. Although he hasn’t won a championship, it’s unlikely to happen with these Warriors, who don’t boast any standout talent besides aging superstar Steph Curry.

Regardless, Paul insisted that he’s coming back next season, via Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

“I’ll talk to my wife and my kids, my family, my support system, see what it looks like,” Paul said. “But this isn’t (the end of my career). I know it for sure.”

Paul has another year on his contract, but all $30 million of it is non-guaranteed as of now. Golden State could cut him with no salary cap repercussions before it guarantees on June 28th, or use him as a trade chip.

Paul expounded on his current headspace after the Sacramento Kings eliminated the Warriors in the Play-In tournament.

“I haven’t thought about it,” Paul said. “I’m too in it. I was in the gym at 8 a.m. this morning, lifting and getting ready for this game.

When it’s time for that, Mike (Dunleavy) and Steve (Kerr), we’ll have a conversation and see what it looks like. But I loved it. It’s honestly — this is my fifth year living without my family — I probably saw them more than any other year.”

Now that it’s been a few weeks, he’s had more time to think about it. While it’s most likely that he’ll play out the last year of his deal, his foray into the TV studio could be a sign of things to come sooner rather than later.