Chris Paul Free Agent Thread

[Shane Mead]

I didn't think this would need a thread and the odds of Paul moving are less likely than Howard moving. However, there have been some stories circulating about friction between Chris Paul and his teammates and the Clippers Front Office.

I know the article posted is from...Mr. Sources Chris Brousard but Bill Simmons thought enough of it to retweet it. Just in case it does turn into something more credible it is worth reading.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/...angeles-clippers-factor-impending-free-agency

Chris Paul is upset with the Los Angeles Clippers organization because he is being widely blamed for the firing of Vinny Del Negro as coach, according to a source close to the situation.
How much of an impact this will have on Paul's decision to re-sign with the Clippers as a free agent is not clear, but the source conceded that Paul's anger could lead him to look elsewhere.
"He's angry right now and his anger is directed toward the Clippers organization," the source said. "Chris is a man of principle and if he feels like you've gone against his principles, it will affect how he feels about you. He's very agitated that his name has been put out there as the reason for Vinny's firing. He had nothing to do with it."
It has been widely assumed that Paul will re-sign with the Clippers this summer. He often has spoken as if it's a foregone conclusion.

The comments from Donald Sterling add more clarity.

Sterling was asked by the Times if Del Negro was fired "just to hang on to Chris Paul."
Sterling said: "I always want to be honest and not say anything that is not true. So I'd rather not say anything. But you know, the coach did a really good job. I think he did. And I liked working with him. There are just factors that make life very complicated and very challenging."
The Times then asked Sterling if it was "off base" to say the "players are now calling the shots."
"No, you're not off base," Sterling said. "This is a players' league, and, unfortunately, if you want to win, you have to make the players happy."
Sterling later told the Times, "If you have special players, and special players think that they know the best opportunity to win, you have to support them."
True or not, Del Negro believes Paul got him fired, according to a source close to the Clippers' ex-coach. The source added that Del Negro had no idea during the regular season or the playoffs that Paul wanted him out. During an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show," Del Negro implied on Thursday that Paul was the reason he was let go.

But a source with knowledge of the situation said Paul refused to get involved in the Clippers' coaching situation and that he wanted nothing to do with the decision to retain or release Del Negro.
"Chris made it abundantly clear to the Clippers that he did not want to be involved in any decision about Vinny's future," the source said. "And Blake had nothing to do with it, either."

One source added that Paul is also steering clear of the Clippers' search for a new coach. The Clippers have a short list of current ESPN NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, Brian Shaw and Byron Scott, according to a source. They are also considering asking the Nuggets for permission to interview coach George Karl, a source confirmed. Alvin Gentry and Nate McMillan are also candidates, a source told ESPNLosAngeles.com.

I think JVG is perfect, he will be able to focus on the defense and get more out of Jordan and Griffin in this area. Chris Paul is an artist on the offensive end the offensive structures would only need to be basic. Better defense will lead to more fast break opportunities as well.

If Paul considers leaving the Clippers, the Atlanta Hawks would be a potential landing spot. Paul always has been fond of the city of Atlanta, and the Hawks have the cap room to sign both Paul and Dwight Howard, a Lakers free agent, to lucrative contracts. Paul and Howard have spoken in the past about joining forces, but once Paul was traded to the Clippers in December 2011 and Howard was moved to the Lakers last summer, the duo figured that possibility was dead.
Howard, an Atlanta native, has been lukewarm at best about the idea of playing in his hometown. But the possibility of playing with Paul likely would get him to rethink his position.

Houston is an outside chance as The Rockets GM Darrel Morey has been quoted (story at clutchfans) as saying they are targeting 2 major free agents. He did not name and names because it is against the rules right now. There is no doubt in my mind Howard is the #1 target and I also doubt Morey has any intention of getting both. The chances of Howard going to Houston ins 60/40 in favor of Houston at this point (If the Lakers can pull of a few good roster moves they can improve their chances) then Paul is a 60% chance of staying in LA.

 

[djrossie16]

Cliff Paul

 

[Vincent Chase]

He wants a black coach. Bad luck Houston.

 

[djrossie16]

He wants a black coach. Bad luck Houston.

But he just had one

 

[PP34]

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/chris-paul-free-agency-thread.1003659/

 

[OrdinaryJoel]

But he just had one

Del Negro... Whitest guy to have a black name.

 

[ROSEMVP]

Chris Paul to Dallas is my tip

 

[Stiffy_18]

Here is being deluded or thinking outside the box

CP3 to Sacramento to play for coach Malone that he wanted at Clipperland!

Let me dream for a moment but CP3 -DMC combo would be fully sick!

 

[ROSEMVP]

Here is being deluded or thinking outside the box

CP3 to Sacramento to play for coach Malone that he wanted at Clipperland!

Let me dream for a moment but CP3 -DMC combo would be fully sick!

Would love that to happen.

 

[footylover18]

it's so hard for a player to turn down the extra yr and 20 odd million dollars. a sign and trade might be possible.

i keep thinking that Morey will find a way to get both Howard and CP3. Howard + CP3 + Harden core.

He's got the assets to make it happen:
-Lin (marketing value and is half decent)
-Asik (defensive animal)
-Parsons (one of the best contracts in the NBA)
-Thomas Robinson (prospect)

Perhaps sign Howard as a FA and then get CP3 as a sign and trade

 

[Vincent Chase]

I have a feeling he'll end up at the Mavs. Don't ask how or why.

edit: first time me and ROSEMVP have agreed on something.

 

[footylover18]

I just wonder if CP3 and Dwight are trying to orchestrate a move together. Mavs, Houston or Atlanta the possibilities if that were the case.

 

[djrossie16]

I have a feeling he'll end up at the Mavs. Don't ask how or why.

edit: first time me and ROSEMVP have agreed on something.

Howard or Paul or both you just can't put it past Cuban to have something up his sleeve. I agree to that degree.

 

[Vincent Chase]

Howard or Paul or both you just can't put it past Cuban to have something up his sleeve. I agree to that degree.

Cuban has been way to quiet lately. Somethings up.

 

[PP34]

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/chris-paul-free-agency-thread.1003659/

 

[Vincent Chase]

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/chris-paul-free-agency-thread.1003659/

shameless self bumping is uncalled for.

 

[Ron]

Can come to the Spurs and come off the bench behind the best PG in the league (Patty Mills)

 

[PykeDream]

Paul and Howard to Dallas I reckon with Dirk taking a big pay cut in 2014-15.

 

[Dez!]

Paul and Howard to Dallas I reckon with Dirk taking a big pay cut in 2014-15.

Dallas don't have the cap room for both and I don't think teams will line up to help them get it.

If CP3/Howard are going to team up, it's going to have to be in Atlanta with Al Horford which I hope doesn't happen.

 

[Stiffy_18]

I honestly think he will stay with the Clippers. It's probably the best option for him especially if they get a good coach!

Personally, I would love to have him in Sacramento with Cousins and Tyreke but I don't believe in miracles!

Howard might jump ship to Houston but I see CP3 staying with the Clippers.

 

[Upgrayedd]

Hopefully Perth Wildcats

 

[Klyntonius]

Back to Nawlins! Left because the owner wouldn't spend the bucks to win but that's changed with the new owner. Time to come home Chris!

 

[Footypie32]

Cuban has been way to quiet lately. Somethings up.

He did mention he would happily draft a big girl. Subtle hint?

 

[Vincent Chase]

He did mention he would happily draft a big girl. Subtle hint?

Jack Watts does have a basketball background doesn't he?

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

It is looking likely that Chris Paul will stay at Clippers given it seems he is pulling the strings behind the scenes to get Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett to come to LA.

Giving away DeAndre Jordan + 2 first round picks for an old beat up Garnett is madness but it seems to me that will be what it takes for LA Clippers to convince Paul to stay.

Mind you, it would be funny as hell if the deal gets done, then Paul leaves to go to Atlanta with Dwight.