Lynne Sladky/AP
The Houston Rockets are reportedly set to enter the NBA's super-team race.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Los Angeles Clippers will trade Chris Paul in a sign-and-trade to the Rockets to form an All-Star back-court with James Harden.
In return, the Rockets will send Patrick Beverley, Sam Dekker, Lou Williams, and a 2018 first-round pick to the Clippers.
The sign-and-trade is of particular importance for Paul. By first re-signing with the Clippers, Paul is eligible for a super-max worth 35% of the salary cap with 8% annual raises.
Paul helped negotiate the deal for himself in the NBA and Players labor negotations last season. Previously, the CBA didn't allow teams to sign players who would be older than 36 to a five-year, full max deal. The rule foiled LeBron James' master plan with the Cavs because he would have turned 36. That has been changed to 38, meaning Paul is eligible for the five-year max.
According to Wojnarowski, Paul and and Harden were "determined" to play together and the two teams found a way to make the plan happen.
Now, the Rockets seem poised to give the Golden State Warriors a run for their money in the Western Conference.