Breaking News! Chris Paul has been traded to the Clippers after opting in on the last year of his contract. League sources have said that Paul was leaning towards leaving the Clippers in free agency this year.

It seems that the Clippers knew they were going to lose Paul in free agency due to the fact that not only Chris Paul and James Harden were determined to play together (via @WojVerticalNBA), but Blake Griffin is most likely leaving in free agency, and there has been known chemistry problems between Paul and Deandre Jordan.

Full Trade Details:

Rockets: Chris Paul (Montreal Harrell will also be part of the trade, according to the LA Times)

Clippers: Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, and a 2018 First Round Pick (No. 1-3 Protected)

 

Breaking Down the Trade:

One big incentive for Chris Paul in this trade is that he is now able to, at the end of the 2018 season, sign a five year, $205 million maximum extension with the rockets.

The Clippers now have gained a lower end replacement for Paul in Patrick Beverley. Lou Williams is also known as one of the best bench players in the league, and the acquisition of Sam Dekker gives them a young prospect.

The Rockets now have a backcourt that I would rate second now in the NBA (1st: Warriors – Steph and Klay, 3rd: Wizards – Wall and Beal) With the best playmaker in the NBA with Chris Paul and quite possible the best scoring guard in James Harden, there’s a new threat to the Warriors dominance in the West.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN tweeted about the Rockets trading for Paul George shortly after they acquired Chris Paul. (@WindhorstESPN).

If that was to happen, while the Warriors would still be title favorites, the Rockets would not be too far behind.

 

Photo Credits: First Photo – @SportsCenter, Second Photo – @NBA_Skits