After opting into his contract, the Los Angeles Clippers have dealt out Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets, per The Vertical on Twitter.

What does this mean going forward? Also, how did Houston acquire CP3 in the first place? Let's take a look.

The trade

Chris Paul was just about ready to opt out of his contract when the trade seemingly caught fire. Apparently, James Harden and Chris Paul have a strong desire to play together, and it was that desire that put this trade into motion.

Paul opted into his contract in order to secure some additional support with his leaving.

The Rockets are sending: Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, and Montrezl Harrell, along with the non-guaranteed deals of DeAndre Liggins, Darrun Hilliard, and Kyle Wiltjer. In addition, a 2018 first rounder and $661,000 in cash; which is a lot to give for what some NBA fans would call a "declining" point guard. But clearly, the urge to play together made this move possible at all costs with all the parties involved.

Chris Paul, despite what many upset Los Angeles fans say, is not a "declining" point guard.

Technically, if you compare this year's statistics to his career statistics, you would be right. But he is not getting worse at the rate that is being suggested. Obviously, no one can do this forever, but anyone who thinks that Chris Paul won't be good next season is absurd.

With that being said, perhaps the Rockets overdid this trade.

Chris Paul is certainly talented, averaging 18.1 points, 9.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game this past season; but is he worth virtually their entire franchise?

Trading away future endeavors in Sam Dekker and Montrezl Harrell might not be the smartest thing in the world, and that is in addition to trading away their 2018 first round pick.

But the bigger picture reveals that Houston knows what needs to be done to get out of the western conference. To compete with the Golden State Warriors, or I suppose the San Antonio Spurs as well in their case, sacrifices have to be made. In that sense, this trade makes complete sense. Perhaps it doesn't rid them of the "bad trade antics" that frequently come with giving up a multitude of assets for a singular asset, but in today's market, this trade seems to at least benefit both parties.

LA Clippers plan of attack

Although the Rockets clearly benefit from this plan, the Clippers also made a good trade here, despite what some fans may think. Chris Paul wasn't going to be staying in LA much longer, so at least they got him to re-sign and agree to a trade deal in order for the Clippers to receive some assets as well.

After having Chris Paul and Blake Griffin paired up with DeAndre Jordan for a few years now, and not even sniffing the playoffs, it was only a matter of time before an overhaul was in the works.

Los Angeles now boasts a slew of young talent, potential future young talent, and an aging but still productive Lou Williams. Although this doesn't exactly put them in contention for a playoff run, it shows that they are thinking about the future.

They've also been thinking about the current state of affairs, and now they are starting to prepare for the future. Keep an eye on the Clippers in free agency for the coming years; while the young guns get some starting experience and transition to extremely productive role players off the bench.

Bottom line

No team won this trade, but are simply at two different places in their storylines. Anyone who is saying that the Rockets are ridiculous doesn't fully understand what is needed to defeat the Golden State Warriors. Adversely, anyone saying the Clippers are ridiculous to get rid of their best players doesn't understand the atmosphere surrounding that team in its current state. Both franchises are doing what they believe is necessary for future success, and they're doing a pretty good job.
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