Chris Paul Pens Farewell To Rockets Fans, Embraces Thunder

Chris Paul ended his two-year stay with the Houston Rockets when the veteran point guard was traded by the franchise to Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the deal that saw Russell Westbrook move in the opposite direction. The nine-time NBA All-Star has penned an emotional farewell to the Houston fans while also expressing his desire to represent his new franchise.

The 34-year-old spent two years with the Rockets and played a key role in helping them win a regular season record 65 wins in 2018 and make the playoffs in both the seasons. He formed a formidable partnership with James Harden, who recently credited Paul for helping him grow on the court and become more of a leader.

“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,” Paul wrote on his official Instagram page alongside a picture of him with the Rockets fans.

“I’m excited to be joining Oklahoma City 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!” he added.

Paul still has three years and $124 million remaining on his contract that he signed with the Rockets and in the immediate aftermath of his move to Oklahoma, it looked like the franchise was looking to trade the point guard. But there were not too many takers for the four-time All-NBA first team selection.

Miami Heat was said to be interested in signing Paul but the two teams were at loggerheads when it came to the latter’s demands for taking over his three-year $124 million deal. Paul is expected to start the season with Thunder and they see him as a mentor to young point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who arrived from Houston as part of the trade and is expected to the franchise’s future starting guard.