“I Was Surprised”: Chris Paul Learned He Got Traded to Wizards on a Flight to New York

• Chris Paul was surprised the Phoenix Suns traded him to the Washington Wizards
• Paul was traded to the Wizards, with the Suns acquiring Bradley Beal
• Beal forms a new big three with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker

The Phoenix Suns acquired Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster trade on Sunday that saw Chris Paul and Landry Shamet go the other way. The Suns sent at least four second-round picks and multiple pick swaps.

Speaking hours after the trade, Paul revealed he found out that he got traded during a flight to New York.

According to the Athletic's Shams Charania, earlier last week the Wizards were weighing up moving Beal in order to start rebuilding.

Multiple reports indicated earlier this month that the Suns were looking at several options regarding the veteran point guard. They weighed up trading, waiving him, or stretching his contract, per ESPN. The 38-year-old may not stay in Washington for long, according to Bleacher Report.

Paul Pierce vs Dwyane Wade: Who had the better NBA career?

NBA

Paul reacts to Washington trade

Paul was making an appearance on Good Morning America to talk about the release of his upcoming book, but it was impossible for Michael Strahan not to start by addressing the elephant in the room, his trade to Washington.

"I was surprised too," Paul said. "I found out on the plane yesterday flying here for this," Paul continued. "In this league, anything can happen, so you just figure out what's next."

Paul averaged a career-low 13.9 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds over 59 games with the Suns last season. He sustained a hamstring injury in their playoff run last season, per Sporting News.

ESPN reported that the Wizards could help Paul land with a contender.

Paul's daughter heckled

Sports Brief earlier reported on Paul saying his daughter got bullied at school because he hasn't won an NBA championship.

Find out who threw the beer at Malice at the Palace. The untold story of Malice at the Palace

NBA

Paul has played 18 seasons in the NBA, and although he's had a hugely successful career, his lack of championship success continues to be held against him.

He came close in 2021 with the Suns.