Ex-Rockets Guard Chris Paul Reveals Mindset After Trade To Warriors

After nearly a decade of being foes, former Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul reveals his mindset following the trade that sent him to the Warriors.

Witnessing Ex-Houston-Rockets guard Chris Paul wear a new jersey in the twilight of his career isn't new. But the 2023-24 season will bring an implausible situation when Paul suits up for the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors acquired Paul in a blockbuster trade that sent Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollins, Patrick Baldwin Jr., a 2030 protected first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Washington Wizards. The trade became official on July 5.

"I am excited," Paul said. "When it happened, I said, 'It's going to take some getting used to.' I've talked to just about everybody, and I'm excited to get going."

Since Golden State's breakout season in 2014, the Warriors have been a consistent nemesis for Paul. Nearly every team Paul has played for over the past decade has been second-fiddle to the Warriors in the Western Conference.

The 2014 campaign also marked a breakout season for two-time league MVP Stephen Curry, who began to take the helm as the league's best point guard over Paul.

Paul's battles with Golden State reached its pinnacle in 2018 when the Rockets fell in seven games during the Western Conference Finals. He helped the Rockets take a 3-2 series after averaging 19.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists. But a hamstring injury sustained following a Game 5 victory ruined Paul's best chance to knock off the Warriors.  

But despite being rivals, Paul revealed that he and members of the Warriors dynasty already had mutual respect. Paul's relationship with Curry stemmed from the future hall-of-famer's college days at Davidson. 

"Not to like sound crazy or whatnot, but at the end of the day, it’s basketball," Paul said. "You know, it’s not brain surgery. I’m going into a situation with a bunch of guys who’ve been playing together for a long time."

Paul averaged 13.9 points, 8.9 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 59 games for the Phoenix Suns during the 2022-23 season. 

He proved he could still be productive on any team he plays for amid his 19th season. But Paul hopes his arrival in the Bay Area will result in the 38-year-old guard receiving his first NBA championship title by June 2024. 

Before the trade that sent him to Golden State, Paul was apart of the blockbuster deal that landed the Suns Bradley Beal in June.

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