Veteran point guard Chris Paul expressed his surprise at being part of the trade package sending Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns. While appearing on "Good Morning America" to discuss his new book, Paul revealed he learned of the trade while on a flight. "I was surprised, too," Paul admitted. "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."

Paul's arrival in Phoenix before the 2020-2021 season transformed the Suns into a championship contender, culminating in a 2021 NBA Finals appearance. In a separate interview with the New York Times, Paul shared that new Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Isiah Thomas were looking to move in a new direction with the team. "It’s tough," Paul confided. "It is part of the business, and what you realize is that no one owes you anything. But when it comes through and my son texts me, I realize that, you know, Mat and Isiah, I guess, just wanted to go in a different direction."

Although the trade is yet to be finalized, speculation abounds regarding Paul's future. The Wizards are reportedly not his intended destination, with possibilities of him being waived or traded to another team. Last season, the 38-year-old Paul averaged 13.9 points and 8.9 assists in 59 games, earning All-Star recognition in three of the past four seasons.