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 nine-time 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 to the Miami Heat, who tried to trade for Westbrook.
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 ended up on the Heat.
The No. 3 jersey, which Paul has worn 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, 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 jersey number he ultimately chooses.
