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The 2022-23 NBA Season has barely finished and the first blockbuster move of the offseason saw the Phoenix Suns acquiring Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards in a major trade. The trade agreement saw the Suns’ star point guard for the past 3 seasons Chris Paul shifted to Washington. The 38-year-old future Home of Famer Paul, also known as “CP3” and “The Point God” wasn’t happy with all that, or even how his situation was handled. Here is what we know.
How and why Chris Paul left the Phoenix Suns
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According to Chris Paul, he found out about his trade to the Wizards while on a flight to New York for a “Good Morning America” appearance. He told “Good Morning America” that he found out halfway through the cross-country flight when his son texted him and brought him the news.
The Suns refuse to comment as to how they’ve handled this situation and they focus mainly on making their new acquisition Beal happy, while it seems Chris Paul was left in the dark in regards to Phoenix needing to trade him to get Beal. Paul’s own comment on the whole situation was:
“It’s just – it’s tough. Seriously, it is part of the business, and what you realize is that no one owes you anything. No matter how you’re with them or what you do… But when it comes through and my son texts me, I realize that, you know, Mat (Ishbia) and Isiah (Thomas), I guess, just want to go in a different direction.”
Future Hall of Famer Chris Paul’s Suitors
Now the dust of the initial shock has settled for CP3 and it seems his new team the Washington Wizards have no intention of keeping him either. The Wizards are in a rebuild mode and with Paul now 38 years old and wanting to play for a contender the next step both for him and the Wizards will be to find him a new team.
Immediately, both LA franchises declared an interest and it seems the 2 main suitors that will be dogfighting for Paul’s signature will be the old foes the Lakers and the Clippers. LeBron and the Lakers are certainly in need of a third star and they need to add quality at point guard where they lack depth and versatility. However, their financial situation means that all they can offer Paul is a veteran’s minimum contract and CP3 is unlikely to be tempted by that.
The Clippers and CP3 have a long history, Paul played for the franchise from 2011-17. They have the cap space to offer him better terms, they have the depth to be seen as serious title contenders and it seems Paul is really interested to explore a potential return to his old employers.
Is a return to the LA Clippers imminent for Chris Paul?
Considering that the only thing missing from Chris Paul’s illustrious career is an NBA Title the only thing he really wants is to play for a real contender. With the Clippers having already the likes of Westbrook, Leonard and George on their roster + by far the biggest depth of any team in the league, that is coached by a title-winning head coach Chris Paul is understandably tempted.
Chris Paul and the Clippers have mutual interest in reuniting, per @WindhorstESPN:
– Clippers, not the Lakers, are favorites to acquire Paul.
– Wizards and Clippers already in discussions on potential CP3 trade package.
– Another team could become involved to help take on… pic.twitter.com/y6O6lvYmwW
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 20, 2023
CP3 might have to accept a new role and come off the bench more often. However, considering his injury history this could be a good thing for him. Also, pairing him with the electric Russel Westbrook at point guard will be great for the pair of them in terms of rest/play time. The fact that Paul left the Clippers in 2017 on very good terms and he remains close with the owner and still holds the deeds to a mansion in LA also makes us think he will be wearing a Clipper uniform next season again.
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