Phoenix Suns star guard and future Hall of Famer Chris Paul is the ultimate professional. He’s not one to create drama behind the scenes just to get attention.
Having dealt with the business side of the NBA since his days with the then-New Orleans Hornets back in 2005, Paul has pretty much seen everything.
One day after it was reported that Phoenix had offered Paul up to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a package for Kyrie Irving, the 12-time All-Star responded in kind.
“It’s a business. I’ve seen crazier. The way I found out I was traded from Houston. You just show up to work and be a pro day in and day out. Nobody’s exempt from being traded. Find out just like everybody else.”
Chris Paul on trade rumors
What a mature response from the respected future Hall of Fame point guard. Whether Paul actually thinks something else privately doesn’t really matter. He’s not about to cause drama for a Suns team that is transitioning ownership pretty much as we speak.
“Just keep going to work. Also understanding teams are always going to do what’s best for them. That’s why players have to do the same. Show up, got a job to do and it is what is it,” Paul continued.
Related: Ideal Chris Paul trade scenarios
Chris Paul could still be dealt ahead of NBA trade deadline
Whoever leaked the inclusion of Paul in trade talks with Brooklyn didn’t really do anyone any favors. Once Irving was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks, that was magnified further.
What we do know is that the Suns are planning to be active before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. They are in on multiple big-name players, including Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Fred VanVleet.
It’s long been reported that Phoenix is looking to find a long-term replacemement for the 37-year-old Paul. He’s in the back end of his career and has seen injuries take over recently. Despite this, the former No. 4 pick has continued to play at a high level when actually on the court.
- Chris Paul stats (2022-23): 13.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 8.6 APG, 44% shooting, 39% 3-point
New Suns owner Mat Ishbia is slated to take over officially this week. He has set forth plans for the front office to find another star to team up with Devin Booker.
From a financial perspective, a trade of that ilk would require Phoenix dealing Chris Paul and the remainder of his four-year, $120 million contract. In turn, contending teams will have interest in the highly-respected veteran.
If nothing comes to fruition ahead of the deadline, we fully expect Paul to continue being that professional and refraining from causing issues behind the scenes. That’s the complete antithesis of the man he was nearly traded for on Sunday.