NBA Trade Rumors: Chris Paul Smart to Avoid Warriors for Los Angeles Clippers

Chris Paul has been told to prepare for a trade from the New Orleans Hornets, and his preferred destination is the Los Angeles Clippers over the Golden State Warriors. This is proof that he knows what he is doing.

The Warriors are not a bad team. On the contrary, they are just the opposite. They were underachievers last season, but have an enormity of talent in their possession. That being said, they are not the right fit for Paul.

Why? Because of Monta Ellis.

Ellis is an extremely talented combo guard, but he is not likely to react well to the organization bringing in a franchise player while he is still there. Ellis is only 26, but he is no longer an impressionable young mind. He is an athlete who is going to want the reins to the team put in his hands, not a newcomer's.

Paul is wise not to get caught up in a game of "whose team is this" at this point in his career. He wants to win now, and to do so, he needs to avoid controversial situations.

In addition to Ellis and Paul not being able to coexist, the Clippers remain more appealing because of Blake Griffin. David Lee, Dorell Wright and Ellis are no slouches, and the team may even be willing to make a move for Tyson Chandler. However, nothing they do will amount to giving Paul the opportunity to play with a potential Top-10 player.

Is Griffin a Top-10 player right now? ESPN may think so. However, the fact is, he isn't. Not yet. He is on the cusp of greatness, and should break such ranks shortly.

Furthermore, the Clippers' initial report—while it included a substantial amount of talent—had the team keeping both DeAndre Jordan and Eric Gordon, who are both potential superstars. Where else is Paul going to get to play alongside that kind of star power or potential star power?

New York, obviously. But let's not go there.

The Warriors have a great offer on the table for Paul, but the Clippers' proposal is arguably better and the team itself presents a better opportunity to win now.

When you put it in those terms, Paul's preference isn't just a wise and warranted one, but a no-brainer as well.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.