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After another playoff exit at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, the Houston Rockets have decided that enough is enough as far as their current roster goes, and they are reportedly looking to blow things up.
Naturally, the top player that the Rockets will likely have on the trade block (barring an out-of-nowhere James Harden trade) is Chris Paul, whom Houston acquired in a blockbuster deal from the Los Angeles Clippers just two summers ago.
While general manager Daryl Morey does not seem desperate to move Paul, it seems pretty clear that the veteran floor general will be available in the right deal.
Just how much the Rockets can actually get for a 34-year-old on a fat contract remains to be seen, but you have to think that other teams around the league will certainly be interested in adding Paul.
Here are three ideal destinations for the future Hall-of-Famer:
3. Utah Jazz
The Jazz typically aren't in the market for big-name players, but that could change this offseason.
Utah has cap space, and it is blatantly obvious after these last two postseasons that the Rockets need more than just Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert to have any chance of contending.
The Jazz could certainly use another ball-handler, and Paul is one of the best in the league in that category. His presence would allow Mitchell more freedom to look for his own shot without also having to worry about running the offense on occasion, and Paul would also give Utah a good three-point shooter.
Paul may not be the same player he was during his Los Angeles Clippers days, but he would certainly be an upgrade over Ricky Rubio.
2. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have chosen to build around LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan, which is not exactly the best route to take, and with Aldridge aging, San Antonio may not have much time left to win with this core.
That's why the Spurs could very well pursue a trade for Chris Paul this summer.
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San Antonio certainly has the assets to get it done, as it has a whole stash of young guards like Derrick White, Bryn Forbes, Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker whom it can trade, and a trio of Aldridge, DeRozan and Paul would look pretty good, particularly in a Western Conference that could be a bit more open next season with the potential (if not probable) departure of Kevin Durant from Golden State.
Would that be enough for the Spurs to seriously contend for a title?
Maybe not, but given Paul's age and salary, San Antonio may not have to part with as many assets as you might think.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
That brings us to the most natural fit here: the Lakers.
Why? Well, first of all, LeBron James and Chris Paul are the best of friends, so they would love to play together. Second, there is a distinct possibility that Los Angeles does not end up landing any big-name free agents this offseason, which could mean that a trade will end up being the team's only option.
Now, admittedly, the stylistic fit between LeBron and CP3 is a bit weird on paper, but these guys have both been around long enough and respect each other well enough to make it work.
Of course, the Lakers would have to then stock up on shooters, but just imagine all of the playmaking that James and Paul would bring to the table as a tandem?
Los Angeles would also surely be able to nab Paul without having to give up both Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram, and it's entirely possible the Lakers wouldn't have to give up either player if they include Lonzo Ball in the deal.
