Earlier this summer, the Houston Rockets decided it was time to part ways with All-Star point guard Chris Paul. While the reason for the team looking to move on from the dynamic backcourt he created with James Harden is still a little bit hazy, the team felt that it was in Houston’s best interest to try and pair Harden up Russell Westbrook for the foreseeable future.
The Rockets weren’t able to reach an NBA Finals in CP3’s two years with the team, but there is an argument to be made that the Rockets could have outlasted the Golden State Warriors in the 2018 Western Conference Finals if Paul didn’t pull his hamstring.
Despite it all, it appears as if Paul has no hard feelings for the Rockets or the fan base, and in his first public statement about the trade since it happened, he thanked the city, the fans and the team while explaining that he’s excited about the new opportunity.
“So thankful to the city of Houston for all your generosity and kindness toward my family and me these past few years! I’m truly blessed to have amazing fans who continue to support me throughout my career.
I’m excited to be joining (the Thunder) next season and for this new opportunity to compete alongside my Thunder teammates. I started my NBA career playing in Oklahoma City with the New Orleans Hornets and I look forward to returning!”
The Thunder moved Paul George before trading Westbrook, and will have Paul on the roster to help usher in the first official new era of Thunder basketball that doesn’t feature either Harden, Westbrook or Kevin Durant on the roster.
It’s a rebuild period for the Thunder, and Paul is one of the most knowledgeable point guards in the NBA who can help a team full of young talent find their way around an extremely competitive NBA.
