NBA: Chris Paul Traded to the Rockets

Chris Paul, nine-time NBA All-Star, is being traded to the Houston Rockets, after he informed the Los Angeles Clippers that he was going to exit during free agency on July 1, 2017. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Clippers will receive Patrick Beverly, Sam Dekker, Lou Williams, and a 2018 first round pick.

Paul makes the Rockets a serious title contender now, and favorites to reach the Western Conference Finals, alongside the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers, on the other hand, have lost their best player, and make be on the verge of losing Blake Griffin as well. This deal makes it less likely that Griffin remains with the organization, as he would be without his running mate.

Beverly and Williams are likely to play a major role on the Clippers in 2017-18, as both should be starters, but it's certainly a downgrade from Paul and J.J. Redick, who is also a free agent this summer.

Photo Credit: Sports Awakening.