Chris Paul was as surprised as anybody when he learned that he was being traded by the Phoenix Suns this weekend.
The 12-time All-Star had just wrapped his third season with the team and was on a plane to promote his new book when he heard the news via a text from his son.
Asked in an interview with the New York Times what was going through his head when he got the message from Chris II, Paul said:
I showed my phone to my wife. Because, I mean, I had talked to [Suns GM] James Jones yesterday or whatnot. … I was surprised.
In the interview, Paul seemed caught off guard by the trade. He said he spoke to James Jones yesterday. pic.twitter.com/IF4xMI5wCP
— Sopan Deb (@SopanDeb) June 19, 2023
Paul went on to mention Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas’ name twice when talking about the trade. Saying that he and owner Mat Ishbia were the ones who decided to go in a different direction. Phoenix’s owner had previously denied that Isiah had any role with the organization though.
Mat and Isiah, they want to go in a different direction. But my time there has been amazing. You know what I mean? It’s been great. And so, get back to work.
Paul said he doesn’t know where his career goes from here, but it’ll be something he and his family discuss in the future.