John Wall has made a tough decision: he is retiring from the NBA. After more than a decade on the court 11 seasons to be exact – he made the official announcement in August 2025. It was an emotional moment; he announced that he had reached his limit as an athlete, and was ready to enter a new chapter in his life.
Why did he retire?
Wall’s decision came neither too quickly nor too suddenly. He had already posted several indications for months that he felt he had “another year or two” left in him – but physical injuries made that difficult. Most notably, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in 2019, and since then, he has never been the same.
Despite his attempts to return, this injury marked a shift in the speed and movement that were so powerful in his time. He no longer found the same effectiveness or key positions. Finally, despite having the chance to play for the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers, he hasn’t played since the 2022-2023 season. This finalizes his decision: he’s ready to take a break from the ball for good.

How was his career and how much money did he make?
John Wall’s NBA career was full of extraordinary moments. As a point guard vs. speed and block – he was a 5-time NBA All-Star, selected to the All-NBA Third Team, won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and made the first team defense. His stats? Bring rain: averaged 18.7 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game in more than 600 starts out of a total of 647 games he played.
Now, about the money: it’s estimated that he earns more than $280 million just from his base contract – that doesn’t count the sponsorship deals he has with brands like Reebok or Adidas. Bye, he draws parallels with another NBA guard over the years who earned about $310 million – but he certainly made a handsome sum, enough to ensure a comfortable future, even after he took off his boots.
John Wall made his decision in a way that seemed profound
Yes, he retired, he did so after 11 full seasons, often plagued by injuries that diminished his ability. When he retired, he left behind a legacy as one of the fastest, most dynamic guards of his generation. He is not leaving basketball – instead, he is “retiring, but never finished” – seeking new opportunities, whether in broadcasting, business, or other projects that are still related to the game.
He did a lot for his wife, for his family, and for his community. And listen to his phrase: “Every jersey I’ve worn meant more than just wins and stats… Today I’m stepping off the court, but not away from the game.” He says he will continue to make an impact – but in a different form.
