The NBA’s Western Conference just got a huge shake-up!
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, point guard Chris Paul is leaving the Los Angeles Clipper after the team agreed to a huge trade with the Houston Rockets. The Rockets are sending Patrick Beverly, Sam Dekker, Troy Williams, and a 2018 first-round pick back to L.A. in the deal.
Paul was going opt out of his contract and test free agency, but agreed to opt-in when it became apparent that he could still go to his preferred team (Houston) and that the Clippers would get some assets back in return.
After Chris Paul agreed to opt-in on contract, Clippers are trading All-Star guard to the Houston Rockets, league sources tell @TheVertical
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2017
Chris Paul and James Harden were determined to play together, and found a way with Rockets-Clippers trade agreed upon today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2017
The reason we say that this trade makes so sense is because James Harden has basically thrived since becoming the de facto point guard of the Rockets. He is fresh off a season where he was a legit MVP candidate, mostly because he had the ball in his hands for almost every Houston possession. Paul, a point guard who also tends to put up a ton of points, is also used to leading the attack. Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni now has a big problem to solve when it comes to who will carry the ball up the floor and create offense.
Then again, maybe he’ll manage to work it all out (somehow) and Harden and Paul will be the start of another Superteam in the West. It definitely appeared that Harden was physically burnt out in the playoffs this past season, so perhaps having another star player to carry the load will actually benefit the Rockets’ attempts to make it through the competitive Western Conference, especially the Golden State Warriors.
Devon Taylor (@DevonTaylor113)
Devon has been writing about random things online since 2013. His favorite video game is Rocket League, his favorite TV show is The Sopranos, and he hated the last season of Game of Thrones. Follow him @DevonTaylor113.