Clippers trade Paul to Rockets
Chris Paul is heading to Houston to join James Harden, and the Rockets will soon have two All- Stars in the backcourt to lead their chase for a championship.
In the NBA’s second blockbuster trade in less than a week, the Rockets acquired Paul from the Clippers on Wednesday in exchange for Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Kyle Wiltjer, a protected first- round pick next year and cash considerations. The Rockets acquired Hilliard from Detroit and Liggins from Dallas for cash considerations before adding them to the deal.
The 32- year- . old Paul will be playing for his third team after opting in for the last year of his contract so the Clippers could work on a deal.
The nine- time All- Star has averaged 18.7 points, 9.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals over his 12- year career, though he has been dogged with criticism in recent years for failing to help the Clippers get out of the second round of the playoffs.
The Rockets also acquired Ryan Kelly from Atlanta and Tim Quarterman from Portland for cash considerations and Shawn Long from Philadelphia for a future secondround pick and cash considerations.
Durant to wait on new deal
Warriors star Kevin Durant plans to wait until after the team completes the bulk of its summer business before re- signing with the NBA champions, according to ESPN. Durant and his busi- ness partner intend to work with the club in providing the necessary discounts on Durant’s expected new two- year deal to help them retain free agents such as Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston.
This and that
LeBron James will serve as the executive producer for a documentary examining the modern NBA’s impact on global popular culture. James is teaming with Showtime on the three- part documentary, which is slated to premiere in 2018
The Raptors promoted Bobby Webster to general manager, making the 32- year- old assistant the youngest GM in the NBA.
An ex- financial adviser to retired Spurs player Tim Duncan has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for defrauding the former NBA star of millions of dollars.
Former NBA point guard Jason Williams will miss six to eight months after suffering a knee injury in the opening game of the Big3.
Sun- Times wires