FILE–Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on April 28, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. –Chris Graythen/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—The shock trade that sent Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns left Chris Paul astonished as well.
Paul, who was part of Phoenix’s package deal along with Landry Shamet and multiple second round picks, said he found out he got traded to the Washington Wizards while he was on the plane to New York City
“I was surprised too,” Paul said with a chuckle on Good Morning America.
“I found out on the plane yesterday flying here. In this league anything can happen, so you just figure out what’s next.”
“I was surprised too … in this league anything can happen.”
Chris Paul says he found out on a flight to NYC on Sunday about reports of being traded to the Washington Wizards by the Phoenix Suns.@CP3#NBA pic.twitter.com/MbDpnf129h
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 19, 2023
The 38-year-old Paul was on a promotional tour for a book about his NBA career and his grandfather when he learned about the blockbuster trade through a text message from his 14-year-old son Chris Paul II, according to the New York Times.
CP3, a 12-time NBA All-Star, spent the past three seasons with the Suns including an NBA Finals appearance in the 2020-21 season.
Paul averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.5 steals last season.
He missed the Suns’ last four games in the playoffs due to a left groin strain he suffered in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets, who went on to capture their first NBA title in franchise history.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers are reportedly interested in signing Chris Paul.