A potential target for the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, Chris Paul, made a shocking statement about how he found out about the major NBA news involving him. On Sunday, the Phoenix Suns traded Paul, Landry Shamet, and draft picks in return for Bradley Beal with the Washington Wizards.
Reports came out a few weeks before the trade indicating the Suns were intending to part ways with Paul. It was thought the Suns would likely waive Paul. However, the team was able to come up with a package to land a star. Paul stated publicly he wanted to stay with the Suns for next season. Management neglected his wishes, and new details show how crudely the business was conducted.
How Chris Paul found out about Sunday’s NBA News
Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes had said the Suns contacted Paul about the plan to waive him. But they didn’t meet face-to-face with the 12-time All-Star they were shipping him to Washington. Paul was a guest on Monday’s Good Morning America show to promote his new book Sixty-One, and he was asked by host Michael Strahan what his first thoughts on the trade were.
“I was surprised, too,” Paul said. “I found out on the plane yesterday flying here [to be on GMA]. You know, in this league, anything can happen, so, just figure out what’s next.”
Hosts Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos asked him a few follow-ups about finding out about the trade and how he felt about it. Strahan warned the hosts back off a little, as the subject might be in bitter taste for their guest.
Paul gave an uptight laugh and asked deadpan, “What’s happening?”
“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
Paul didn’t seem overexcited about how the trade went down. One can’t blame him. He went from being on a playoff contender to a team that finished 35-47 last season and just traded their best player. The Wizards could waive Paul, in which case, he’ll have to search for a new home in free agency. That could eventually land him in Milwaukee with the Bucks. Paul’s summer just got busy.
Paul seemed a little annoyed by finding out on the plane. It looks more like a timing issue with Paul’s guest appearance and the trade being finalized. But still, the conversations might have been handled better.
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