Source: 'Zero Chance' Chris Paul Bypasses Extra Guaranteed Year

[RealGM Wiretap]

Chris Paul has yet to commit to re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, but it is considered a probable outcome.

One source said that there are "too many positives" for Paul to remain with the Clippers.

Another source predicted that there's "zero chance" of Paul giving up the fifth year and nearly $30 million in additional guaranteed money.

The Clippers need to improve their roster in order to become a legitimate title contender, and Paul could potentially force his way out via trade after signing a new deal should the pieces not come together.

Via Marc Stein/ESPN

[EastSideBucksFan]

I love how they mention the possibility of Chris Paul forcing his way out of LA before dude has even inked a new contract.

Got to love the new NBA!

[Scalabrine]

Couldnt he sign a max deal with say Houston, and have a player option after 1 year and then opt out and resign for the "home team max"?

[d-train]

I believe CP3 could sign a 1-year deal with a team other than the Clippers but he can't sign a longer deal with an opt-out clause after 1 season. The team that signs him has to have enough cap room and CP3 would lose the bird rights he has if he resigns with the Clippers. Basically, CP3's best option out of LA would be to sign a 4-year deal with no player options. That would cost CP3 about $29M in guaranteed salary. And, you can be sure any team with enough cap space is not as good as the Clippers.

[Tomas_11]

The Rockets are better than the Clippers minus Chris Paul and they have max cap space.

[eureca20]

Couldnt he sign a max deal with say Houston, and have a player option after 1 year and then opt out and resign for the "home team max"?

No. You have to be with a team for 3 years to get max bird rights. If you sign elsewhere as a FA your bird rights or your progress towards your bird rights are reset. If CP3 wants to leave he will get paid less annually and not have the financial security of that big max 5th year. If he signs elsewhere by the time his 4 years are up he will be like 32 and probably won't get the max again.

[Joel Embust]

I love how they mention the possibility of Chris Paul forcing his way out of LA before dude has even inked a new contract.

Got to love the new NBA!

This league has become quite sad in that department.