Chris Paul will be chasing his first NBA championship at the Golden State Warriors next season, and Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are feeling optimistic about their chances.
Just two months ago Paul was part of an All-Star Phoenix Suns roster, with Kevin Durant hoping to lead them to a championship after trading from the Brooklyn Nets. Ultimately their season ended with disappointment as they were eliminated during the playoffs after losing in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers.
38-year-old Paul was then waived by the franchise, and was involved as part of a trade for Bradley Beal, who finally left the Washington Wizards. Paul has actually ended up at the Warriors, with young talent Jordan Poole making his way to the Wizards instead.
It could be Paul's last attempt at winning the NBA championship, and he joins a team very used to being crowned champions in recent years. While Paul may be excited for the season ahead, two of his star team-mates are also in good spirits.
Thompson and Curry were asked about Paul's arrival ahead of next season, and both were very much on the same page about the 12-time All-Star as they broke their silence on his arrival.
"Any time you get to play with a player who is one of the best of your generation it’s an honor," Thompson said to The Athletic.
"It’s a little weird because we’ve had so many battles in the past with Chris, and he’s led so many teams that nearly knocked us off or did knock us off all the way back in 2014. I think he’s just going to add such a calming presence and leadership component that we need.
"I know Steph and him have a long history together being both from North Carolina. For me, it’s going to be a smooth transition playing with such a passer and playmaker, I’m just excited."
Thompson's comments were echoed by Curry, who said: "Same. The business is crazy. We all know that. If you asked us six months ago if this was something that could happen, the answer probably would’ve been no just based on where we were.
"Then you get to the summer and are trying to find ways to get better and put yourself in a position to chase another championship. Every team that CP has been on gets better. That’s the most consistent thing about him, and who he is and what he brings to the team.
"Everybody’s going to talk about the age. It’s on us to put that all together and figure out how all the pieces work. You hate losing JP. I know it’s not all the way official yet. So I don’t want to talk too much before it is.
"But that’s the tough part of the business, seeing a young guy come into his own (and then get traded). It’s a great opportunity for him. It’s just you get to know someone like that, build a friendship, build a bond. It’s tough to see him go. But, you know, we’re trying to win next year and CP can help us do that."
