NBA star guard Chris Paul revealed he found out about being traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Washington Wizards while on a flight to New York.
On Sunday, reports emerged claiming Paul had been included in the trade package sent to the Wizards to secure the services of three-time NBA All-Star Beal. Beal was on the trade block as he did not want to take part in a rebuild at such a stage in his career and preferred to play for an NBA championship contender.
He also owned a no-trade clause in his five-year deal worth $251million (£196m) - the only player with such a clause - signed last offseason, which gave the guard the authority to veto and approve potential moves. Beal decided to waive his no-trade clause to join the Suns, where he will link up with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Paul had been with the Suns since the early stages of the 2020-21 season, which ended with an NBA Finals defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks. Paul was ultimately stunned by the decision to trade him, particularly at the timing of the deal.
“I was surprised, too,” Paul told Good Morning America on location in New York City. “I found out on the plane yesterday flying here for this. In this league, anything can happen so you just figure out what’s next.”
When asked for his first reaction to the news, Paul laughed and joked: “‘What’s happening?’”
Ultimately, the Wizards have sent Beal and Jordan Goodwin to the Suns in exchange for Paul, Landry Shamet, multiple second-round picks and multiple pick swaps. For the deal to work under the cap, the Wizards need to guarantee approximately an extra $9m (£7m) of Paul's salary, which would bring his total guarantee up to around $25m (£19.5m).
The 38-year-old also has a partially guaranteed $30.8m (£24m) contract for next season, although the Wizards are reportedly looking for ways to offload Paul, and the LA Clippers have emerged as a destination which would see the 12-time All-Star reunite with the franchise. Paul played for the Clippers between 2011 and 2017.
Meanwhile, Beal had a 15% trade bonus that will be waived upon him being traded to Phoenix, although his no-trade clause would carry over to the Western Conference franchise. The 29-year-old will add another offensive skillset to the Suns after putting up 23.2 points on a career-high 50.6 percent overall shooting rate as well as 5.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds last season.
Beal had featured heavily in trade rumours for years only for Washington to resist and keep hold of the star. However, the arrival of Michael Winger - renowned for taking part in rebuilds - as the new general manager of the Wizards ensured a trade would be seriously explored.
The Suns have already made one mega trade in 2023, giving up Mikal Bridges and four first-round picks to acquire Durant at the NBA Trade Deadline in February. With a lack of depth, Phoenix were eliminated in six games at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, leading to the firing of Monty Williams and the hiring of Frank Vogel.
Perhaps Beal is the missing piece for Phoenix as the chase immortality with an NBA championship.
