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Chris Paul Traded to Clippers. Maybe. Hopefully.
New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul talks to the media during a voluntary basketball workout at the team's practice facility in Westwego, La., Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011. Thursday was the first day players could return to team facilities since the NBA lockout began July 1. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A little less than a week after the Chris Paul trade to the Lakers was vetoed by NBA commissioner David Stern, it looks like Paul will finally make it to Los Angeles. However instead of the Lakers, Paul will be joining Blake Griffin and the Clippers according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
Stein also reports that the deal is expected to be approved by the league tonight.
Unfortunately for point guard Eric Gordon, forward Al-Farouq Aminu, center Chris Kaman and Minnesota's unprotected first-round pick for the 2012 NBA draft, they will be watching this Paul-Griffin duo from the New Orleans Hornets' vantage point.
It is also reported that Paul will pick up his player-option for the 2012-13 season ensuring the Clippers will keep Paul for another season.
When rumors of the Clippers landing Paul first sprang up late Saturday night, they were adamant in their refusal to giving up Gordon. By Monday they had completely bowed out of the Chris Paul sweepstakes only to cave in today.
Despite the loss of Gordon, if Paul's knees hold up this will make the Clippers a must-watch team especially with the explosive potential of Blake Griffin. They have depth in the guard position with Chauncey Billups being picked up off waivers. And one must not forget about Mo Williams who came from the Baron Davis trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers last season.
Perhaps the best news for the Clippers: they get out from under the weight of Chris Kaman's contract.
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