Chris Paul has been traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Phoenix Suns. It was a huge move to start the NBA offseason, but one that was a little unexpected. When it came to a potential Paul trade, the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks were the most talked about teams as potential suitors.
While the Knicks would have made a very solid destination for Paul, he was not interested in being moved to New York. Why would he not be interested in playing for such a big market team? There is one intriguing and logical reason.
According to a quote from former NBA player Matt Barnes, Paul lost interest in being traded to the Knicks due to the lack of fans. If he was going to be traded to New York, he would have wanted the whole experience.
“If he was going to New York, he wanted the full Knick experience.”
That makes complete sense for a player in the stage of his career as Paul. Obviously, the Knicks are not a contender at this point in time. That doesn’t appear likely to change anytime soon.
In order to be fine with being traded to a rebuilding franchise, the experience would have to be enjoyable. Playing for a struggling team with no fans or experience to enjoy would be a rough ask.
Instead, Paul will be joining a very entertaining and up-and-coming Suns team. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton are both stars. Paul could be the missing piece that powers them back into contention in the Western Conference.
Once again, the Knicks were unable to acquire a superstar that they had their eyes on. No matter what the reasoning has been, New York has to figure out a way to turn things around. That may have to come by drafting quality players and getting to the point where there is enough talent that a star wants to come join.
All of that being said, it will be interesting to see how Chris Paul fares with the Suns. He is starting another new chapter in his illustrious career and it could be his most fun chapter yet.
