Is it real this time?
Multiple sources have Chris Paul being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers (not the Lakers), in a deal that sends Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al Fariq-Aminu, and a draft pick to the New Orleans Hornets.
710 ESPN reports sources saying that Paul has agreed to use his player exception with the Clippers, assuring the team his services to go alongside Blake Griffin through the 2012-13 season.
Almost a week ago today, Paul had been thought to be a part of a three team trade between the Hornets, Lakers, and Houston Rockets that would have sent Paul to Los Angeles. The trade was revoked by NBA Commisioner David Stern for the now infamous “basketball reasons”.
In six seasons, Chris Paul has career averages of 18.7 ppg, 9.9 apg, 4.6 rpg and 2.4 steals. Last season Paul’s numbers saw a small dip but were still a solid 15.9 ppg, 9.8 assists and an NBA leading 2.4 steals in 80 games. Acquiring Paul adds to an exceptional 2011 free agency haul that includes signing Caron Butler and DeAndre Jordan as well as claiming veteran guard Chauncey Billups off amnesty waivers.
The Hornets will be landing a couple of potential starters in Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman and a young player with a ton of developing talent in Aminu. Last season, Gordon averaged 22.93 ppg and 4.4 apg in 56 appearances, all starts. Kaman contributed 12.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg and 1.5 blocks but struggled with injuries and only appeared in 32 games. As a rookie, Aminu posted numbers of 5.6 ppg and 3.3 rpg while playing 17.9 minutes in 81 games (14 starts).
Keep track of the biggest moves of free agency by visiting the LTSBlog’s NBA tracker here
