A huge name in the NBA is on the move. While nothing is official until free agency begins (July 1st), the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets have agreed on a trade. News broke yesterday that the Clippers would send Chris Paul to the Rockets in exchange for:

Take a deep breath..starting..now….

• Patrick Beverly
• Lou Williams
• Sam Dekker
• Montrezl Harrell
• DeAndre Liggins
• Darrun Hilliard
• Kyle Wiltjer
• A top-three protected draft pick in 2018
• And last but not least, $661,000 (aka the Trade Kicker – 15% of Paul’s annual salary).

It sounds like a lot more than it is. A lot of dominoes had to fall in place, but this trade benefits both teams. Chris Paul, in his own self-interest, did the Clippers a favor. What is it they say?? There’s no such thing as a selfless act. I don’t believe that, but that’s a story for a different day. The point is, Paul could have walked away from the Clippers, leaving them empty-handed, to test the free agency waters. Instead, he grabbed the Clippers’ organization by the ear and said something to the effect of, ‘I’m going to Houston, so make this happen.’ Which brings us to the Rockets sending cash considerations seemingly all over the world for the 3 no names in the deal, and the Clippers and Paul executing a sign-and-trade deal. Goodbye La La Land, hello no state income-tax.

*This is the only way Paul could have gone to the Rockets. They couldn’t afford him as a free agent.

Now, all I keep hearing is, ‘this isn’t a good idea, Harden and Paul aren’t a good fit‘. I’m here to tell you that’s NONSENSE. You know what’s a good idea?? Putting multiple all-stars on the same team. Newsflash: that’s how the NBA works. Allow me to remind everyone that the pairing of Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry was doubted prior to last season. Please stuff your revisionist history back in your pocket.

Yes, there’s only 1 ball, but on a Rockets team coached by run-and-gun Mike D’Antoni, I’m pretty sure they’ll figure it out. Paul brings a new element to the Rockets as well. It’s this little thing I’m certain James Harden has never heard of before, called DEFENSE!! Chris Paul is a premier defender from the point guard position. He also possesses one of the best mid-range games in the league from the point guard position. Yeah..this all sounds terrible to me.

The only problem the Rockets still have is the Golden State Warriors (don’t we all). The Rockets, just like the Cleveland Cavaliers, are 1 star and 1 big man away from being true contenders. Rockets’ fans should be pleased to know their team is going ‘all-in’, as they are currently pursuing Indiana Pacers’ star, Paul George. Because who doesn’t love a ‘Big 3’??

There’s another reason Chris Paul could potentially benefit from this sign-and-trade. Yup, you guessed it, MONEY. Paul, who’s 32 years old, can receive a max-contract of 5 years, $201 million.  Which begs the question, how long does Houston want to commit to Chris Paul?? While Paul is still great, the Rockets will assuredly regret the last 2 years of this contract. I say shove all those chips to the middle of the table!!

Hey — what’s the worst that can happen??

What do you think of this trade?? Should the Houston Rockets give Chris Paul a Max Contract?? Don’t hold it in, let it out in the comment section below.

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