LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 02: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 02, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Thunder point guard Chris Paul offered an emotional message to fans after the team’s surprisingly strong season ended with a Game 7 loss to the Rockets.
Oklahoma City point guard Chris Paul thanked Thunder fans for their support after a tightly-contested Game 7 loss to the Houston Rockets, acknowledging that his future with the team is uncertain and praising the staff and front office for believing in him.
Paul started by thanking the city itself for welcoming him back after he spent some time playing there with the New Orleans Hornets due to the damage from Hurricane Katrina. He also thanked his teammates, saying that the roster in Oklahoma City was a special one that he will not soon forget.
Chris Paul could be on the move again this offseason.
While nobody truly knows what is in store for Paul, this seemed like a potential goodbye after just one year with the Thunder. The team has placed an emphasis on getting younger and accumulating assets, with general manager Sam Presti trading both Paul George and Russell Westbrook last offseason.
With Paul putting together a resurgent season in 2020, Presti is highly likely to entertain trade offers and hand over the reins at point guard to a budding star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. A contender in search of a final piece, perhaps the Milwaukee Bucks, could pursue the veteran point guard.
Some were quick to write off Paul following his final season with the Houston Rockets, but his time in Oklahoma City silenced many doubters and proved that the 34-year-old still has plenty to offer. His gaudy salary could scare some suitors off, but his leadership and strong play likely make him a worthwhile option for some suitors.
Regardless, Paul seems to have enjoyed his first season in Oklahoma City. Whether or not he stays with the Thunder remains to be seen, but the 10-time All-Star certainly endeared himself to fans in 2020.