Chris Paul found out he got traded to the Washington Wizards from his son while he was on a plane to New York. The NBA legend told Sopan Deb of the New York Times he was surprised that the Phoenix Suns moved him.
“It’s just — it’s tough,” Paul said. “Seriously, it is part of the business, and what you realize is that no one owes you anything. No matter how you are with them or what you do, you realize that in this business, nobody owes you anything, as it should be.
“But when it comes through and my son texts me, I realize that, you know, Mat (Ishbia) and Isiah (Thomas), I guess, just wanted to go in a different direction.”
The Suns traded Paul and Landry Shamet to the Wizards for Bradley Beal, who waived his no-trade clause to play with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. CP3, who has a partially guaranteed contract for next season, doesn’t know what will happen next for him.
“I don’t know,” Paul said. “I really haven’t had enough time to process it yet. Like seriously, because these things that happen affect more than just me.”
The Los Angeles Clippers are interested in trading for Paul, while the Los Angeles Lakers would like to sign him as a free agent if the Wizards waive him.
A future Hall of Famer, Paul averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists for the Suns this past season while shooting 44.0% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc and 83.1% from the free-throw line. The 12-time All-Star, who is promoting his new book, said he enjoyed his time with the Suns and will get back to work soon.
“Like I said, Mat and Isiah, they want to go in a different direction,” Paul said. “But my time there has been amazing. You know what I mean? It’s been great. And so, get back to work.”
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