Chris Paul Trade To Clippers In Early Stages, According To Report

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Chris Paul will not be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers this season, thanks to the NBA vetoing a deal early in the weekend, but that doesn't mean he won't be sent to L.A. from the New Orleans Hornets this offseason. The latest reports indicate that a trade between the Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers are in the early stages.

The Hornets are asking for Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Eric Bledsoe, Al-Farouq Aminu and two first round picks, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard. Rumors indicate that the Clippers would likely include Gordon, but only with a caveat -- if Paul agrees to opt-in to the final season if his deal.

Paul has a final year on his contract worth $18 million that he could opt into if he wishes, but that hasn't seemed like a likely arrangement due to his ability to become a free agent after the upcoming season. If he's interested in forming a dynasty with Blake Griffin and friends, however, there's a possibility he adds the extra year to his contract.

It'c clear that Paul will likely be traded sooner rather than later and, as of now, it seems that the Clippers have become the current front-runner.