Daryl Morey (Houston Rockets GM) made a huge announcement today regarding a new star point guard coming to Houston. Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers is going to Houston to join James Harden with the hope of contending against the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers in exchange will acquire defensive point guard Patrick Beverly, a former sixth man of the year in Lou Williams, stretch four Sam Dekker, forward Montrezl Harrel, Darun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Kyle Wiltjer, a future first-round pick, and cash considerations.
Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander was present at the press conference earlier today and had this to say “Since winning back-to-back championships, the pursuit of a third title has remained the ultimate goal for our franchise." There have been critics saying that Harden and Paul need the ball to operate but the Houston Rockets owner feels that having two of the NBA's greatest players in Harden and Chris Paul operating under Coach D’Antoni’s system can make them a top team to contend for the NBA title. He ended his speech by thanking all the departing players who will continue their career with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Chris Paul goes to Houston
Chris Paul is without a doubt one of the best point guards in the NBA.
In his 12 NBA seasons he has been a nine-time All-Star, averaging 18.7 points, 9.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.29 steals, while shooting 47.3% from the field with an incredible assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.08. Despite his excellent stat line, Paul has never played in a Conference Final and he hopes to break that record by joining the Hoston Rockets.
Melo rumored to go to Houston
After the blockbuster trade made by the Houston Rockets, Stephen A. Smith said in an interview on SportsCenter that the Rockets have a shot at acquiring Melo if he secures a buyout from the Knicks. Brandon Jennings followed this up by tweeting: "if they get Melo they might score 170pts a night. Melo just gotta be Olympic Melo." Also reported earlier today was that Phil Jackson was fired as President of Basketball Operations by the New York Knicks owner.
With all the shake-ups in New York, Melo joining Chris Paul and Harden could be a possibility.
With Chris Paul going to the Houston Rockets, Jackson getting fired, and D'Angelo Russell going to Brooklyn, DeAndre Jordan, Paul George and Kevin Love are still on the trading block -- and LeBron James will soon have another decision to make as well.
