Chris Paul to the Rockets

[NoZoLakers]

Maybe this will lead Doc to run away like he did with bos n clipps can trade him away for a future 1st

[Jagic Mohnson]

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That's from 5 years ago you dope

time flies. they were ringless then and probably will retire ringless like an old maid.

[Don Tommy]

Paul has the "old man" style game that should age well but man that is a lot of money to be paying to someone on the wrong side of 35. I do wish him the best of luck, and it's funny, today I was looking for something to do in Houston in November. If the Clips are Rockets are playing the one night I'm there, I'll be at the game!

One last thing, I have been saying for a while now that I KNEW CP3 was resigning with us. Why almost hold up the start of the season for something that really only applied to him (raising the age for the max contract) if he wasn't going to take advantage of it. Obviously something happened in the last few weeks, and if Jerry West thinks it's the right move then so do I. I can second guess some of Doc's moves but no one can question Jerry West and his vision.

[wassuphomeboy]

Lots of rationalization going on in this thread. There really is no good way to spin this. We lost a top 10 player, at worst, for pennies on the dollar, and who knows when, or even if, we'll be able to find the next one either in free agency or in the draft. Rebuilds don't guarantee anything, and the false hope they generate can often cloud reality.

The real "false hope" would have been running back the same old team for more years, hoping to get lucky one of these years. Rebuilds don't always work, but sometimes they do. The status quo was guaranteed to not work. I'd rather have some hope for a brighter future for this franchise than no hope at all.

LeBron coming to join CP3 was the better hope, and it most definitely would have worked, or at least been a more realistic path to success than having to resort to the crapshoot that is the draft or free agency

[DusterBuster]

do you think CP3 told West/Doc/Ballmer that if they trade him to the Rockets, next year he'll sign with Clippers again, along with Carmelo, Lebron and Wade?

[Goner]

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That's from 5 years ago you dope

time flies. they were ringless then and probably will retire ringless like an old maid.

Showing a lot of class there, bub.

[esqtvd]

The guy who broke the "Chris Hates Doc" story used to work for al-Jazeera. Just sayin'.

Me, I only know what I read on Real GM.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/245397/Chris-Paul-Closer-To-Doc-Rivers-Than-Any-Clippers-Teammates


RealGM Wiretap
Chris Paul Closer To Doc Rivers Than Any Clippers' Teammates
MAR 23, 2017 2:27 PM


Chris Paul is one of the best point guards of all-time but he has been considered a difficult player to play with at various times in his career.

One team source told Bleacher Report that Paul's hard-driving nature and politician's polish mean "nobody's really friends with Chris."

Paul is also much closer to Doc Rivers than any of his teammates, according to another source.

Both Paul and Blake Griffin are free agents this summer.

KEVIN DING/BLEACHER REPORT

[Roscoe Sheed]

We could've added Melo to the team??? For just Austin, Crawford and Pierce? And Doc said no?!! I wanted him gone before the season. Now I despise the man, just like CP.

I doubt that story is true

[thanumba2clippersfan]

I did my best to read through all the post on this thread so far. I honestly thought if Chris Paul was leaving it would be through free agency. I was surprised to see that we had traded him this afternoon. Deep down I knew that either Blake or Chris would be back with the team, not both.

I would have preferred to keep Chris and build the team around him. However due to his asking price and age I knew something had to give. I'm sad to see him go but I know this is a business and I don't want to pay an aging PG over $40mil. Since I thought he might sign with another team I'm glad that we were able to trade him and get some pieces back for him. (we could possibly flip those pieces for something else even)

Chris Paul was my favorite guard in the NBA even before we traded for him. I will still root for him to have success in Houston or where ever he decides to play. I am grateful to have had a player like him play for us and I am thankful for what he did during his time as a Clipper. I was hoping he would be MVP and bring us a championship, but those visions never quite materialized. I'm glad that our team has some flexibility now and that we're moving in a new direction. Hopefully Blake will lead us the best he can.

[madmaxmedia]

So these are the posts in this thread that I'm basically in agreement with. I wish CP3 the best in Houston and he is a great player. But for a little while now I was kind of hoping this would happen, I've posted it, it's not me being bitter about CP3 choosing another team (again, I wish the absolute best for him.)

Our big 3/4 was going to starting costing more and more money, for DECREASING returns over the next few years. Had we brought everyone back, say hello to a declining treadmill over the next 3-5 years with no realistic way of retooling. I also never liked the style of basketball we played in the half court, I think CP3 is too ball-dominant compared to with how I'd like to see a NBA team play.

We got a bunch of so-so pieces, but this is just the first step of many to come over the next couple of years with Jerry West. We wondered if West would have any influence over Rivers, and whether Rivers would play and develop younger players? Well he has to now!

I want to re-sign Blake at a fair market value contract. I think if Jerry/the org presents a good offer WITH a plan as to how a fair contract will help enable the Clippers improve the team in the near future, then hopefully Blake will take it. I don't know, we will see.

At least now we can talk about potential future moves and directions. Everything has been set in stone the last couple of years (for better and for worse), the only change was Doc Rivers annual trade of our 1st round pick for a ultimately inconsequential veteran. That's obviously not going to happen now. All of this movement goes hand in hand with Jerry West's arrival, if all we were going to do is keep the old squad together, we wouldn't need Jerry and Jerry wouldn't have shown any interest.

Obviously this team is going to be worse next year, but it will still be a more interesting team for me personally to watch and follow.

I'm excited after this trade. Feels like it could've been way worse, at least both parties got something out of it.

Yeah, CP is an amazing player that made us relevant, but what exactly was the plan going forward? Hope we stay healthy while the Warriors have multiple key season ending injuries? It was the right time to shake things up and with Chris gone, maybe Doc is on his way out as well.

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She makes a good point. I just hope it doesn't extend to Blake and DJ. I'd rather not go into complete rebuild mode, but with Jerry West behind the decisions I'm good either way. This also means 2018 cap room will exceed 70 million. Guess you never really know what happens in the background. Never would've thought CP and Harden would be 'determined' to play together.

I havent read this entire thread yet, but im going to post my response and try to keep it somewhat brief.

First, and I dont have any sources on this, I wouldnt be surprised if the Clippers balked at giving CP3 the full five-year max with a no trade clause. No idea if that happened or not, but I would have went down that road. Paying him $50 mil at age 38 was a deal breaker, IMO.

Second, props to Chris for being up front with the FO and getting a return package for the organization. All things considered, that haul is pretty damn good. You can make a case its better than the one for Butler or Cousins.

Third, this isnt a rebuild. At least if West has any influence over it. This is a re-tool and I think we are a playoff team with Blake back and a few other moves. I like the fit of Beverley at the point, with Blake running the show (ill get to him later). Lou is a good fit off the bench. Dekker provides a legitimate SF who can should turn into a good shooter, has good athleticism, seems like someone West would like. Harrell is a great throw in piece. Obviously, that #1 next year helps no matter which way we go.

I enjoyed the time Chris spent here and was never on the "bash CP3 bandwagon." He legitimized the franchise, he put us in title contention, albeit for a small and busted window a few years back, and did everything in his power to win. Ill miss him and have no hard feelings at all.

The next step is Blake. I dont think you can just toss out the full max at him. I think there needs to be a clear plan in place, and negotiations on what kind of contract we offer him. I dont think we push him out, as this is his franchise now, but we need to be competitive with the offer, just not a full max (IMO). I love the idea of him finally getting to run the offense, and I think he will as well.

Redick is gone. I dont think the Clippers can pay him, nor should they want to. Dont tie up your money in older guys.

We have plenty of options to move forward from here. I could come up with pages, upon pages of ideas. Hell, why not start with Paul George? But, thats for another day in the doldrums of summer after the dust settles.

Finally, while I do think Eaves' report about CP3, Doc, Austin is somewhat true, dont believe everything you read.

[Akklaim1]

I remember when CP verbally agreed to stay with the Clippers back in February...

[DusterBuster]

So these are the posts in this thread that I'm basically in agreement with. I wish CP3 the best in Houston and he is a great player. But for a little while now I was kind of hoping this would happen, I've posted it, it's not me being bitter about CP3 choosing another team (again, I wish the absolute best for him.)

But our big 3/4 was going to starting costing more and more money, for DECREASING returns over the next few years. Had we brought everyone back, say hello to a declining treadmill over the next 3-5 years with no realistic way of retooling. I also never liked the style of basketball we played in the half court, I think CP3 is too ball-dominant compared to with how I'd like to see a NBA team play.

We got a bunch of so-so pieces, but this is just the first step of many to come over the next couple of years with Jerry West. We wondered if West would have any influence over Rivers, and whether Rivers would play and develop younger players? Well he has to now!

I want to re-sign Blake at a fair market value contract. I think if Jerry/the org presents a good offer WITH a plan as to how a fair contract will help enable the Clippers improve the team in the near future, then hopefully Blake will take it. I don't know, we will see.

At least now we can talk about potential future moves and directions. Everything has been set in stone the last couple of years (for better and for worse), the only change was Doc Rivers annual trade of our 1st round pick for a ultimately inconsequential veteran. That's obviously not going to happen now. All of this movement goes hand in hand with Jerry West's arrival, if all we were going to do is keep the old squad together, we wouldn't need Jerry and Jerry wouldn't have shown any interest.

Obviously this team is going to be worse next year, but it will still be a more interesting team for me personally to watch and follow.

I'm excited after this trade. Feels like it could've been way worse, at least both parties got something out of it.

Yeah, CP is an amazing player that made us relevant, but what exactly was the plan going forward? Hope we stay healthy while the Warriors have multiple key season ending injuries? It was the right time to shake things up and with Chris gone, maybe Doc is on his way out as well.

Read on Twitter

She makes a good point. I just hope it doesn't extend to Blake and DJ. I'd rather not go into complete rebuild mode, but with Jerry West behind the decisions I'm good either way. This also means 2018 cap room will exceed 70 million. Guess you never really know what happens in the background. Never would've thought CP and Harden would be 'determined' to play together.

I havent read this entire thread yet, but im going to post my response and try to keep it somewhat brief.

First, and I dont have any sources on this, I wouldnt be surprised if the Clippers balked at giving CP3 the full five-year max with a no trade clause. No idea if that happened or not, but I would have went down that road. Paying him $50 mil at age 38 was a deal breaker, IMO.

Second, props to Chris for being up front with the FO and getting a return package for the organization. All things considered, that haul is pretty damn good. You can make a case its better than the one for Butler or Cousins.

Third, this isnt a rebuild. At least if West has any influence over it. This is a re-tool and I think we are a playoff team with Blake back and a few other moves. I like the fit of Beverley at the point, with Blake running the show (ill get to him later). Lou is a good fit off the bench. Dekker provides a legitimate SF who can should turn into a good shooter, has good athleticism, seems like someone West would like. Harrell is a great throw in piece. Obviously, that #1 next year helps no matter which way we go.

I enjoyed the time Chris spent here and was never on the "bash CP3 bandwagon." He legitimized the franchise, he put us in title contention, albeit for a small and busted window a few years back, and did everything in his power to win. Ill miss him and have no hard feelings at all.

The next step is Blake. I dont think you can just toss out the full max at him. I think there needs to be a clear plan in place, and negotiations on what kind of contract we offer him. I dont think we push him out, as this is his franchise now, but we need to be competitive with the offer, just not a full max (IMO). I love the idea of him finally getting to run the offense, and I think he will as well.

Redick is gone. I dont think the Clippers can pay him, nor should they want to. Dont tie up your money in older guys.

We have plenty of options to move forward from here. I could come up with pages, upon pages of ideas. Hell, why not start with Paul George? But, thats for another day in the doldrums of summer after the dust settles.

Finally, while I do think Eaves' report about CP3, Doc, Austin is somewhat true, dont believe everything you read.

As an outsider looking in, I pretty much totally agree with all these sentiments. It was a guts call to trade a player as talented as CP3, but I do believe the Clippers and currently constructed had topped out, so better to be proactive rather than reactive about remaking the roster.

I've also never been a CP3 fan, I actually can't stand his game. Like you said, he's way too ball dominant to be effective (and I think he and Harden are gonna struggle to mesh for that very reason), but in order to be the CP3 everyone gushes over, he needs to be ball dominant like he is and that style he plays simply isn't conducive to winning in the post-season. I mean, not sure how many times people need to see the teams he leads fail in the post season before people seem to realize that and look past his gaudy reg-season stats, but I digress.

Not totally sure what Jerry's plans are going forward, I'd hope for your guys sake they include but aren't limited to sending Doc packing to wherever he pleases, just as long as he doesn't come back (oh, and that it's not Portland). Regardless of if the whole nepotism thing is accurate or not, I just find Doc to be a wildly overrated coach who's coasted more on being gifted uber talented rosters than any actual coaching acumen. The Clips should totally go after an up-and-coming assistant or college guy a la Brad Stevens.

[mattd13]

finally, glad to see the clips have decided to go in a different direction. love cp3 but he was not going to win in la. my personal opinion was he was overrated. I think the trade was good for the clips. to give cp3 a 5 year max deal was a loser on many levels. jj is gone and blake is on the decline. plus dj is lazy and is also overrated. best of luck to clips. I looked forward to seeing jj on the east coast so I do not have to stay up until 2 in the morning. hopefully he goes to philly.

[playaloc916]

Ultimately it was the right move. If it came down to keeping only one of CP and BG, I would've went with BG too. I'm a fan of CP, but he's getting up there in age, asking for a lot, and his personality as well as play style seems to have been clashing with our other players. Either you put your full faith in a soon-to-be declining CP, or a go with BG who is a great player but just had a few tough breaks recently.

At least we got a decent return, and CP gets his last big payday and goes to a contending team. Win-win situation to me. I actually would have been a bit disappointed if we tried to keep our big 3 together. Let's face it, our team was not going to beat the Warriors even if we're healthy. Might as well retool a bit and wait for the Warriors to cool off before going all in.

I'm curious but also confident in West's vision for this team. Hopefully this will be a "take one step back, then take two forward" type outcome.

[og15]

I remember when CP verbally agreed to stay with the Clippers back in February...

Was that before or after the trade deadline?

Then the post-season happened, and Blake got injured again, and the team underachieved again, that's why things players say should always be taken with a grain of salt. Paul George was supposedly only interested in the Lakers, now he will stay with the Cavs if Lebron stays or would stay with Boston if this or that happens. I'm not saying they can't change their minds or anything, just saying that news reports are only part of the story.

[Ranma]

Watch on YouTube

eh, you know i kinda want to believe it, but eaves has tried to create drama before where none existed. he's just not reliable.

[Neddy]

Ultimately it was the right move. If it came down to keeping only one of CP and BG, I would've went with BG too. I'm a fan of CP, but he's getting up there in age, asking for a lot, and his personality as well as play style seems to have been clashing with our other players. Either you put your full faith in a soon-to-be declining CP, or a go with BG who is a great player but just had a few tough breaks recently.

At least we got a decent return, and CP gets his last big payday and goes to a contending team. Win-win situation to me. I actually would have been a bit disappointed if we tried to keep our big 3 together. Let's face it, our team was not going to beat the Warriors even if we're healthy. Might as well retool a bit and wait for the Warriors to cool off before going all in.

I'm curious but also confident in West's vision for this team. Hopefully this will be a "take one step back, then take two forward" type outcome.

I don't think it really was choosing one over the other, we should sign and trade Blake too, as Ranma mentioned the other day.

what good is it to build around a 28 year old who is always hurt and is regressing his athleticism? I know the names we got back in return for Chris is not impressive at all, but with Blake, if we could get a player of Lou or Beverly's impact who is in early 20s plus a first rounder or two with other fillers, we can truly start our rebuild. I think DJ should be traded now too, along with Jamal. I know as long as Doc is around, Austin will be here, so there goes that.. but maybe Doc will now consider taking the same job with the Magic and leave us alone. if that happens, I sure hope he takes his son with him. we can ask for Vucevic or Aaron Gordon for doc and bady doc lol.

[mkwest]

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[Quake Griffin]

CP was my fav player and in some ways my hero for taking on the tasks of trying to bring us a chip. I hope he gets over the hump if the Clippers are not involved.


Most importantly, I wonder what this means for Doc. I think the standard view of him coming here was that he came to help Blake, Chris and Dre get over the hump. I always thought that view ruined who he was as a GM - he always thought there was just one minor move that could fix it.

With West here and CP leaving, I hope he can take a big picture/longevity view of this franchise, suck it up and start developing talent here.

It's truly a shame no one thinks he's gonna stick it out through this and it would be even worse if he confirms it. Even front running Phil Jackson sucked it up during Kobe's 81 point years.


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[mkwest]

On one hand, it would have been nice to see him stay and finish out his career here. However, as previously mentioned, keeping the band together wouldn't have produced great results in the long run. We wouldn't have sucked, but wouldn't have been good enough to really make a run for it outside of very unfortunate things happening to some of the upper echelon teams. When West was introduced, he hinted that was change coming. He doesn't believe that you should play it safe, but you have to willing to take risks.

For me, the idea of adding Melo in a trade was not about him being the best fit, but about adding talent to keep the core together with what little resources that we had. To me, that would have been playing it safe with the on court personnel, but not guaranteeing any further benefit while lacking financial flexibility. So, I understand the decision to move on in another direction. It's not a great decision to pay a 37 year old $45M+. Even if we expect him to age more gracefully than your typical player, the players on the contending teams will still be younger and could have aged just as well by that time.

It could be nothing, but it is interesting that Paul didn't mention his teammates in his post.

I am thankful that CP told the team in advance what his intentions were and that it allowed us to acquire some kind of assets in return. That was totally unexpected. I will also appreciate that he was the first true superstar in his prime to be willing to take a chance on coming to the Clippers on his on accord. Outsiders/haters/rivals may focus and take joy in the disappointments or failed opportunities, but I will choose to enjoy the memorable moments and the ventures into previously unencountered territories that we as a fanbase were able to experience during his tenure here.

I'm not pissed. I'm not numb. I am a little nervous/anxious to see where the organization goes from here, but I'm looking forward to it.