The trade rumors surrounding Chris Paul are intensifying, with multiple teams reportedly showing serious interest in acquiring him.

The entire NBA fraternity was completely in shock when the Los Angeles Clippers announced two weeks ago that Chris Paul would no longer be with the team.

“Paul was stunned, sources said, and tried to plead his case,” Shelburne wrote. “At one point, he brought teammate Brook Lopez into the room as something of a character witness.

The LA Clippers’ decision to send Chris Paul home and eventually part ways with the veteran point guard in early December followed weeks of tense interactions inside the organization. Central to the unraveling was a lengthy November phone call with coach Tyronn Lue and a public apology Paul offered to teammates on Nov. 11.

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gave credit to Chris Paul for the team's success in recent years.

Paul happily poured into Dort, who eventually progressed to shooting 41.2% from 3-point range last season, because he recognized the then-rookie's burning desire to get better. Paul saw the same characteristic in Gilgeous-Alexander, whom Paul calls a "basketball junkie," which is the ultimate compliment coming from him.