Bobby Marks: Chris Paul reduced his trade bonus from $3.6m to $661k to make the trade work. Cap hit for Houston in 17-18 is $24.6m.
More on Chris Paul to Rockets
In addition, sources told ESPN's Michael Eaves that the relationship between Paul and Doc Rivers, the coach and president of basketball operations, had deteriorated rapidly since the Clippers acquired Austin Rivers -- Doc's son -- during the 2015-16 season. Paul met with the Clippers on Tuesday and didn't like what he heard from the team, sources told ESPN. He informed them Tuesday night that he planned to leave in free agency if he declined his option.
The Clippers were determined get something for Paul rather than lose him for nothing, sources told ESPN, so Paul instead agreed to opt in for the final year of his contract (worth $24.2 million) to facilitate the trade.
Jonathan Feigen: FWIW, Chris Paul's twitter account @Chris Paul now lists location of the account as Houston, TX.
Brad Turner: Clippers will also get backup center Montrezl Harrell as part of the Chris Paul trade, per source.
Austin Rivers: Dam....cp3 really dipped, was looking forward to lining up with u next year. Learned a lot from u tho bro. One of the best basketball minds
Jamal Crawford: Gonna miss @CP3, been thru a lot of wars, battles, ups & downs together the last 5 years.. One of the best pg's EVER. #brotherregardless
Chandler Parsons: Is it too late to lock CP in a house
Sam Amick: The 2018 first that Houston sends to the Clippers is top three protected, I'm told.
Ramona Shelburne: Wanna know Jerry West's influence on the Clippers? You're seeing it. He was not in favor of the "just bring everyone back" plan.
Paul Pierce: To the ?? Wow!! Emoji game in point ????
Jeff Goodman: Rockets GM Daryl Morey not done yet, source told ESPN. Harden and CP3. Will try and add a third star to compete with Warriors.
Marc J. Spears: Chris Paul was seriously interested in Spurs, source says, but chance to play off ball & share PG duties w/James Harden was more attractive.
Jeff Goodman: Clippers like the upside of Sam Dekker, the toughness of Patrick Beverly and the short-term contracts of both Beverly and Lou Williams. Source said Clippers will go after a big wing in free agency, and try and retain Blake Griffin.
Chris Broussard: Sources: Jerry West was not in yesterday's meeting between CP3 and the Clippers.
Brad Turner: Can confirm Chris Paul informed Clippers he opt-in on his deal and will be traded to Rockets for Patrick Beverely, Lou Williams, Sam Decker
Mark Berman: Sam Dekker part of blockbuster trade with Clippers that brings Chris Paul to the #Rockets: "I'm excited to see what LA holds. It's a shock." pic.twitter.com/BuAu6h7HdK
Jeff Goodman: Clippers had strong feeling that Chris Paul was headed out of LA, source told ESPN. Instead of getting nothing, got value from Houston.
LeBron James: My brother off to a new journey! Best of luck @Chris Paul!! H-Town y'all got a great one coming to your city. #BrotherHood🙏🏾
Jeff Goodman: Spurs didn't show significant interest in Chris Paul, source told ESPN. Already have an aging point guard in Tony Parker.
Adrian Wojnarowski: After Chris Paul agreed to opt-in on contract, Clippers are trading All-Star guard to the Houston Rockets, league sources tell @The Vertical
Mark Berman: NBA sources confirm #Rockets trade for Chris Paul. Clippers get Beverley, Dekker, Williams and 2018 first round pick.
The Houston Rockets have emerged as increasingly serious threats in the chase for soon-to-be free agent Chris Paul, according to league sources.
The Rockets still have work to do in terms of clearing sufficient salary-cap space to make a representative offer for Paul, but sources said that Houston star James Harden has been advocating hard in favor of the Paul pursuit and has made his interest in teaming with the LA Clippers' All-Star known directly to the point guard.
The Clippers, sources say, continue to worry that they won't be able to convince Paul to remain despite their considerable financial advantage over external suitors.
Ben Dubose: ESPN's @ChrisBHaynes is on @SportsCenter now. His top FA storyline? Chris Paul and the #Rockets. "Serious chance of luring Chris Paul away."
Paul also has plans to talk with the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets, one executive said. Griffin can sign a five-year deal worth $175 million with L.A., or sign a four-year deal worth $130 million with another team. The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder are two teams that will make a bid for Griffin, according to several executives. “West knows he has a big task ahead of him with the Clippers,” one executive said. “But he feels as if Steve Ballmer is going to be one of the great owners in this league.”
