When Sam Presti sent Russell Westbrook to the Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul and draft picks, the belief was that Paul’s stay in OKC would be short.
The Thunder were expected to move him before the season started. Paul was expected to want to leave to join a contender as he continues along the tail-end of what is sure to be a Hall of Fame career.
But neither of those things have come to fruition.
Paul is staying put, partly because of the fact that his enormous contract makes it difficult to find potential trade partners. But Paul has also been vocal about buying in to what the Thunder are doing.
In a recent interview with Men’s Health, Paul was asked about his retirement, which at 34-years-old is sooner, rather than later. He said he wants to end his career in a place where he’s appreciated. And that place could be in Oklahoma City.
“Last year was Houston. When I was in L.A., I wanted to end it there. Where I want to end my career is somewhere where you’re appreciated. It sounds like a weird answer, but that’s been the coolest part even right now in Oklahoma. I started my career there. Life happened and I ended up there, and it’s been great being back and around everyone.”
Paul has started and played in all 41 games for the Thunder so far this season, averaging 16.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game.
