Chris Paul discovered that his career in Phoenix had ended in a text from his teenage son.
The 12-time All-Star was sent to the Washington Wizards on Sunday as part of a trade that saw Bradley Beal move to the Suns.
“When [news of the trade] comes through … my son texts me,” the 38-year-old told the New York Times. “I showed my phone to my wife. Because, I mean, I had talked to [Suns general manager] James Jones yesterday or whatnot … I was surprised.”
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Paul suggested that former Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas, who is close to Suns owner Mat Ishbia, may have influenced the trade.
“Mat and Isiah, I guess, just wanted to go in a different direction,” said Paul, who helped the Suns reach the NBA finals in the 2020-21 season.
He added: “Seriously, it is part of the business, and what you realize is that no one owes you anything.” No matter how you are with them or what you do, you realize that in this business, nobody owes you anything, as it should be.”
Paul, one of the best players of his generation, said he had no plans to retire but is still considering what the next stage of his career will look like. The Wizards have reached the playoffs just once in the last five seasons.
“I really haven’t had enough time to process it yet,” he said. “Like seriously, because these things that happen affect more than just me.”