Chris Paul Reveals Untold Reason for Leaving New Orleans for LA Clippers
When Chris Paul left the New Orleans Hornets for the LA Clippers in 2011, the entire NBA world was shocked. It was a moment that reverberated so harshly through the city of New Orleans, that they still boo him to this day for the trade. Paul seldom speaks about the trade, but he did very recently.
In the newest episode of the Pivot Podcast, Chris Paul revealed the untold reason why he wanted to leave New Orleans. According to Paul, the main reason why he requested a trade was because ownership notified him that they were selling and moving the team in different directions.
"We never spoke on this, but iuno why today is the day I'm gonna say this, but they was coming to tell us that the team is moving," Paul said. "First, it was this one guy Mr. Shwest that was going to buy the team at one point, then you know the NBA took over the team and whatnot. So, when I left, it wasn't like I'm leaving New Orleans because I want to be out of here. The team was saying they were moving and going to do this and going in all these other directions. That's why me and D-West was like, okay it's time for us to move on."
The New Orleans fans may still occasionally boo Chris Paul, but he has nothing but love for the city. He even mentioned that he acts cool on the court, but the booing definitely affects him. Regardless, New Orleans still holds a special place in Chris Paul's heart.
"I will never have another bond like I had with that city," Paul said. "I got drafted a month before Katrina, two months before Katrina. The city of New Orleans will forever hold the deepest place in my heart... I got real family that lives in that city."
