Chris Paul to Clippers: Elite PG Becomes Savior of Ailing Franchise

After weeks of rejected deals and counter offers, Chris Paul is reportedly set to join the Los Angeles Clippers.

After an agreement in principle, Paul, one of the most coveted trade targets this offseason, is expected to be sent from the New Orleans Hornets to the Clippers for shooting guard Eric Gordon, center Chris Kaman, forward Al-Farouq Aminu and the Minnesota Timberwolves' 2012 first-round pick, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.

The Clippers will also reportedly receive two future second-round picks in addition to Paul.

Paul, one of the league's best players, averaged 15.8 points, 9.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 steals with the Hornets last season. The Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers had already proposed deals that had fallen through in recent days.

Paul is the superstar the Clippers have been looking for to pair with forward Blake Griffin. The combo could be deadly, and the recent re-signing of rising center DeAndre Jordan adds a defensive post presence.

What does it all mean?

It means that the Clippers are no longer the bottom-feeders we've been accustomed to. They are no longer a 32-50 team, barring catastrophe. It means they are viable playoff contenders again.

Several teams contacted the Hornets this offseason in regards to Paul, but in the end the Clippers made the most sense. Not only does Paul fit better on their team, the inclusion of Gordon in the deal all but sealed Paul's move to Los Angeles.

Now it is the Lakers who have to worry about the Clippers.

How the tide has turned.