Chris Paul has said goodbye to the Houston Rockets, while saying hello to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Chris Paul says farewell to Houston and is excited to play in OKC
(via @CP3) pic.twitter.com/XqFybf1IhW
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 25, 2019
The Thunder acquired Chris Paul from the Rockets in the blockbuster Russell Westbrook trade. ESPN reported last week Paul is expected to begin the 2019-20 season in OKC. Because of Paul’s monster contract, the Thunder will have a difficult time finding a trade partner for Paul.
Paul has three years left on his deal. He’ll make $38,506,482 next season, $41,358,814 in 2020-21 and has a player option worth $44,211,146 for the 2021-22 season. Paul and the Thunder likely won’t agree to a buyout, as CP3 would have to give up a lot of money.
This past season with the Rockets, Paul averaged 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 58 games. The nine-time All-Star shot 41.9 percent from the field, 35.8 percent from beyond the arc and 86.2 percent from the free-throw line.
Both players denied the rumors, but multiple reports stated Paul and Rockets star James Harden weren’t getting along behind the scenes in Houston. On the Thunder, Paul won’t have anyone to clash with. He’ll likely play the role of mentor to OKC youngster Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is the future of the Thunder now that Westbrook and Paul George are gone.
Along with Paul and Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s roster is headlined by Steven Adams, Dennis Schroder, Andre Roberson, Danilo Gallinari and Nerlens Noel.
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