NBA MOVES: CHRIS PAUL TO HOUSTON – KNICKS AND PHIL JACKSON PART WAYS

It’s OVER! We’re talking about the Chris Paul era in Los Angeles and Phil Jackson‘s in New York.

First, let’s cover what’s going on as far as Chris Paul is concerned. The LA Clippers the Houston Rockets have come to an agreement that will send the All-Star point guard to the Rockets. The info comes via The Vertical.

Paul, 32, agreed to opt in to the final year of his $24.2 million contract, clearing the way for the Clippers to execute a trade with the Rockets and bring back assets for Paul, league sources said.

In exchange for Paul, the Clippers get guards Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams, forward Sam Dekker and a 2018 first-round pick (protected Nos. 1-3). Paul had until Wednesday to opt out of the final year of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent.

It’s all about business. You see, if Paul had chosen to opt out of his current contract, he could’ve signed a new deal that started at $34 million a year. However, Paul will now be eligible to sign a five-year, $205 million maximum extension with the Rockets.

Along with the money, it appears to be a good deal for Paul who also wanted to play with Rockets All-Star guard James Harden, which led to the Clippers working out a trade with Houston. The Clippers were able to secure several tradable assets and a draft pick in the deal. The team risked losing Paul for nothing in free agency.

Paul is a nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA player and a nine-time All-Defensive team member. He played six seasons with Los Angeles after six seasons with New Orleans. For his career, Paul has averaged 18.7 points, 9.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game.