NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers Should Avoid Destroying Foundation for Chris Paul

Late into Monday night the Los Angeles Clippers were trying to get a deal done for New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul. They could not and it should be looked as a blessing in disguise because the Clippers do not need Paul, especially if it means blowing up their future.  

Originally, the deal for the Hornets point guard had the Clippers sending a core group of their young nucleus. New Orleans wanted from Los Angeles: Eric Bledsoe, Eric Gordon and the Minnesota Timberwolves unprotected 2012 first-round draft pick. Given the talent level on Minnesota, that first-round pick could be the first pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.  

At first the trade was nixed because of the lack of point guards on the Clippers. Now that the Clippers have added Chauncey Billups they could make this move by replacing Billups for Bledsoe.  

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According to CBSsports NBA Insider Ken Berger: 

"By claiming Billups for about $2 million, the Clippers were able to solve the dilemma of not having another point guard on the roster—Mo Williams likely slides into the Jason Terry sixth man role, if he isn't included in the trade or waived with amnesty. Thus, L.A. could responsibly include Bledsoe in a blockbuster package for Paul." 

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If you’re a Clippers fan, why would you want to see two very talented young players in Gordon and Bledsoe go for a player that may not resign after this year?  

It’s not a given that if Paul is traded to the Clippers that he will sign an extension there. Who knows if Paul will want to stay in LA with an owner like Donald Sterling? 

Let’s say that Paul and Sterling do not mesh well and he bolts to another team in free agency. Not only are the Clippers out an All-Star point guard in Paul, they are now out of the running for a lottery pick in the NBA Draft.  

Paul is one of the top players in the NBA. However, he does not make this Clippers team better than the elite teams in the Western Conference.  

With or without Paul this Clippers team will make the playoffs and will lose to a team like Dallas, the Lakers or Oklahoma City.  

The deal would help sell a few more tickets and create a buzz around the Clippers in their city. However, it isn’t the smart move in sacrificing their future just for a few more tickets sold this year. 

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