CP3 headed to H-Town in blockbuster deal

Chris Paul and James Harden. Digital image. Pressdigital. N.p., 29 June 207. Web. 1 July 2017

Wednesday afternoon, Daryl Morey, Rockets general manager, and David Wohl, general manager of the Clippers, finalized a deal that would send 9-time All-Star Chris Paul to the Rockets in exchange for 7 players and the Rockets' 2018 protected first round pick. The players that the Clippers received were Patrick Beverly, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Kyle Wiltjer. This was a much anticipated move as Chris Paul was connected to the Rockets the whole summer. Chris Paul's departure from the Clippers was inevitable as Paul's future with the team looked bleak because his team failed to get past the second round of the playoffs. Next year, it is likely that Chris Paul will occupy point guard and James Harden will return to being a shooting guard. Although this trade brought starpower to the Rockets, they were forced to pay an enormous price. Not only did they give up their first round pick, but a starter in Patrick Beverley and a solid bench player in Lou Williams. Additionally, they gave up 3 talented prospects in Dekker, Harrell, and Wiltjer. If the Rockets want to have a deep run in the playoffs next year, the Rockets will need greater depth in their lineup. To solve this problem, the Rockets must first dump F Ryan Anderson's salary and then target reliable bench players. Finally, in order to be able to compete with the Warriors, the Rockets should target a third star player in order to create a Big 3 similar to the famed trio of Rockets that won 2 championships in '94 and '95. The Rockets have a lot of work to do, to say the least!!!