Chris Paul’s NBA future is suddenly up in the air, and one potential suitor would have to navigate an interesting concern if Paul lands with them.
The former All-Star was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday in the Houston Rockets’ blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook. Immediately, reports surfaced that OKC would be open to moving Paul with the Miami Heat, who tried to trade for Westbrook, being listed as a possible landing spot.
In light of the Heat rumors, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel noted the concern: Paul could not be CP3 anymore if he ends up on the Heat.
Could Chris Paul still be CP3 if three is not available?
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 12, 2019
The No. 3 jersey, which Paul has worn all throughout his 14-year NBA career and even dating back to his days at Wake Forest, obviously belonged to Paul’s close friend Dwyane Wade in Miami and will soon be officially retired. Even the No. 13 jersey, which Paul wore on the national stage for USA Basketball, is already taken by Heat center Bam Adebayo.
Of course, there are plenty of other concerns for the Heat in trading for Paul — he is 34 years old, very injury-prone, on a badly-bloated contract, and doesn’t exactly fit their timeline. But if he does land in Miami, it will be interesting to see what new jersey number he ultimately chooses instead.
