Chris Paul Reflects on Arranging Carmelo Anthony's Private Plane Ride After Rockets Exit in Video

NBA legend Chris Paul's unceremonious exit from the Los Angeles Clippers this season conjured up memories of a similar situation that Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony faced at one point in his career.

During an appearance on Anthony's 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Paul reflected on their brief stint as teammates together with the Houston Rockets during the 2018-19 season.

Anthony was informed by then-general manager Daryl Morey that "your services are no longer needed" while the team was preparing for a road matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. While Morey offered Anthony a spot on the team plane for the flight back to Houston after the game, Paul stepped up and arranged a private plane for his friend to avoid having him fly with a team that didn't want him.

"After that game that night, I got a plane. Me, Melo and my wife flew back from San Antonio to Houston, because I wasn't gonna let them try to embarrass my dawg," Paul said.

Anthony played just 10 games for the Rockets before he was removed from the rotation. He had joined the team in hopes of winning an NBA championship, but after things didn't work out, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls and waived.

Anthony confirmed Paul's recounting of the events and said he didn't hesitate to step up for Paul when the tables were turned this season. Paul, who was intending to retire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, was forced to end his legendary career early after the Clippers parted ways with him in December.

"The saddest plane ride of all time. For him to bring his family and get the plane and we get on the plane together, it was confusing, nobody knew what the f--k was going on," Anthony said. "So for us to have that moment recently, when he called me... I got to return the favor."