NBA is a business first and foremost and it can be downright ruthless. When teams trade players, it best showcases the nature of the league. Amidst the whirlwind of player trades, many are taken aback when they find their names dominating the headlines. Even the stalwarts in the league can’t entirely control their fate and are left at the mercy of franchises.
The recent trade of Chris Paul follows a similar story. He appeared live on Good Morning America in Times Square and revealed how he found out that he was no longer a part of the Phoenix Suns.
Chris Paul looks befuddled
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The Wizards traded high-scoring guard Bradley Beal alongside role player Jordan Goodwin to the Suns. In exchange, they received, veteran playmaker Chris Paul, backup guard Landry Shamet, multiple second-round picks, and swaps. The news sent a shockwave across the league and the recipient of the shock was CP3 himself. GMA’s Michael Strahan expressed his surprise and then asked for Paul’s reaction.
"I was surprised too. I found out on the plane yesterday… In this league, anything can happen. … What's happening?"
Chris Paul reacts to the reports of being traded to the Wizards by the Suns 🗣️
(via @GMA)pic.twitter.com/wmhEBqWtWy
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 19, 2023
The elite passer replied, ”I was surprised too”. This induced laughter among the GMA hosts. He then continued, ”I found out on the plane yesterday, flying here for this. You know in this league, anything can happen. You just figure out what’s next.” He was asked again if he “literally found that on the plane”. To which he replied, ”Absolutely”. Paul seemed both flabbergasted and emotional while he was asked these questions.
Rumors suggest that Washington Wizards may waive Chris Paul. If that happens, Los Angeles Lakers can be a suitor. The Lakers lacked a strong playmaker except for LeBron James. If they sign Chris Paul, then James can relax a bit from his playmaking duties. CP3 and James can help the Lakers make a deep playoff run.
Fans have an emotional response watching a hurt Paul
Naturally, the trade sent NBA fans into a frenzy. There were some responses that spoke in favor of CP3. Some respondents enjoyed looking at Paul’s bamboozled face. Here are a few reactions from fans:
One user didn’t like the way the Suns handled the situation
That's some disrespectful shit by the Suns. They couldn't have a conversation with the OG…..
— Capi (@ohiso1) June 19, 2023
Another fan echoed similar sentiments
Hard not to feel for CP here.
— casualpelsfan (@casualpelsfan) June 19, 2023
A fan enjoyed the look on Paul’s face
Lmaooooo his face 😂😂
— NetsKingdom 👑🗽 (@NetsKingdomAJ) June 19, 2023
Another fan expressed the unpredictability of life itself
Life comes at you fast
— O.G. Cabeza (@OG_Cabeza_OG) June 19, 2023
What if the Wizards hold on to the Guard? A fan expressed concern about him not winning a title
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Damn he really goin retire ringless
— KingLou (@datlouismf) June 19, 2023
This trade bolsters the Suns which now have three shot-creators, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and now Bradley Beal. On the other hand, the Wizards are rebuilding and Kyle Kuzma is not likely to sign with them after a career year. He has also been linked to the Lakers, having been a member before. It means CP3 will have to lead a repair job once again if the Wizards keep him.
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Do you think CP-3 will join King James and finally win a ring? Do share your comments below.