It looks like the reported deal of Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets is nearing completion.
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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
After the initial report that Paul had been traded, the Rockets soon made several other deals that were needed in order for the trade to work under the rules of the NBA salary cap. Those deals included picking up four players — Tim Quarterman, Darrun Hilliard, Ryan Kelly, and Deandre Liggins — for cash considerations.
With those done, it now looks like the Paul deal is complete: the Rockets will exchange Liggins along with Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, Patrick Beverley, Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Wiltjer and Darrun Hilliard for the 9-time All-Star point guard.
Source: Terms of Clippers-Rockets deal: For @CP3, Houston sends Williams, Beverley, Dekker, Liggins, Hilliard, Harrell, Wiltjer, FRP + $661K
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2017
The Clippers will also receive Houston's 2018 first-round pick.
Paul will now join MVP-candidate James Harden in what likely becomes the top backcourt in the NBA. It will be interesting to see how the two ball-dominate guard mesh now in Houston, but with two guys this talented, there are good odds they will be able to figure something out.
Paul's Bird rights go with him in the trade. Could be eligible to re-sign with the Rockets in the summer of 2018 for 5-years, about $205 mm
— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) June 28, 2017
Houston won 55 games last season, largely thanks to an amazing season from Harden. With Chris Paul on board and Houston maintaining many of their good pieces, the Rockets are now a real contender to Golden State out in the West.
