The NBA landscape was on the brink of a seismic shift in December 2011. Imagine Chris Paul teaming up with Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles.
It was more than just a rumor; paperwork was in motion, flights were being planned. Then, in a dramatic turn, Commissioner David Stern halted the deal, citing "basketball reasons."
This decision turned a potential blockbuster into one of the league's most intriguing what-ifs.
For years, the narrative revolved around maintaining competitive balance and the reaction of frustrated team owners. But on February 18, Paul revealed what truly stung: the financial implications.
It wasn't just about missing the chance to chase a championship with Bryant-it was about the legacy money. The veto didn’t just reroute his career; it cost him an estimated $20 million.
Paul recounted, "Once the lockout ended and we went back to our teams, I got traded to the Lakers. At the time, my team was owned by the NBA.
The owner had run out of money, so the NBA took over. They were making decisions for my team.
Suddenly, the league pulled back. I was ready to play the whole year there, but then it went silent.
Some owners said we just came out of a lockout and a new CBA, and they were focused on competitive balance."
Because the NBA temporarily owned the New Orleans Hornets, Paul's Bird rights were affected, eliminating the possibility of a five-year extension in L.A. The potential three-team trade involving the Lakers and Houston Rockets crumbled. Just six days later, Paul found himself with the Los Angeles Clippers, and the league's power dynamics shifted in a way that would redefine the era.
Fast forward to the end of Paul's illustrious career, and the conclusion felt abrupt. After a tumultuous split with the Clippers, Paul was waived by the Toronto Raptors and announced his retirement mid-season.
The news left fans and players alike in shock. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his disappointment, saying, "Honestly, it’s sad the way it’s happened."
Yet, Paul's legacy remains undeniable. During his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he left a lasting impact on young players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort, mentoring them on film study, diet, and discipline. Dort still cherishes the iPad Paul gifted him-a testament to CP3’s enduring influence on the game and its players.