Chris Paul 'Surprised' by Trade From Suns to Wizards

Former Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul says he found out he was being traded in a unique way.

Though nothing is official, the Phoenix Suns are finalizing framework of a deal that will send Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, a slew of second-round picks and future pick swaps to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin and Isaiah Todd. 

The Suns are pushing all of their chips to the middle of the table in hopes of capitalizing off a trio of Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to extend their championship window - one that first began when Paul arrived in November of 2020. 

Paul helped Phoenix reach heights such as the 2021 NBA Finals and 64 wins in the following regular season (a franchise record), though the Suns were never able to fully bring home the Larry O'Brien trophy. 

The Suns ultimately felt as if it was time to move on from Paul, who is in the twilight of his career. Phoenix had until June 28 to waive or trade him before his $30.8 million salary for 2023-24 became fully guaranteed. 

Paul - during an interview with Good Morning America - says he was surprised by the trade.

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

Chris Paul says he found out he was traded on a flight to NY for his @GMA appearance: “In this league, anything can happen. You just figure out what’s next.” This was prescheduled to promote his new book, Sixty-One. pic.twitter.com/pFiwsfCmww

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 19, 2023

Chris Haynes initially reported the Suns were waiving Paul before others denied anything had officially happened. Phoenix has reportedly been searching for Paul's replacement since the trade deadline thanks to his age and contract.

Though Beal isn't exactly a one-for-one replacement, the Suns found more firepower. 

Paul is likely to either be traded or waived from Washington, where he'll gather significant interest in either aspect for a team who could use a veteran point guard on their squad.