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Can the Houston Rockets Sign Chris Paul?

By Michael Knight

April 10, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 10, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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One All-Star point guard, in particular, has been tied to the Rockets as of late.

Rumors have been flying everywhere since the end of the season occurred on Monday. There are many high-profile free agents in the market this offseason and that always creates some drama. Free agency officially begins on July 1, and it has been said that the Rockets will be in contention for Clippers All-Star Chris Paul. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports said on his podcast about the subject:

"“Houston will always get involved with a big player [Chris Paul]. Having and the core they have, they would have to do some things with their roster…” James Harden"

Can Houston pull this deal off in the offseason, or will it be just a pipedream? Does CP3 even fit with the team?

Can it Happen?

It would certainly be possible to get Chris Paul over to Houston. The likeliness that it happens is probably fairly low, but you never know with NBA Free Agency. RealGM reports that the Rockets will get a meeting with Paul, so the team with surely bring their A-game if they get that opportunity.

Chris Paul Expected To Meet With Clippers, Spurs, Nuggets, Rockets: https://t.co/e02NwnLNf8 pic.twitter.com/1ofDmNYw03

— RealGM (@RealGM) June 15, 2017

When Woj said that the Rockets would have to do some things to the roster, he was definitely telling the truth. With not enough cap space to straight up sign Paul right now, some trades would need to be made. Ryan Anderson and Lou Williams would be the likely culprits in my opinion, and maybe more than just them would be necessary. The only truly untouchable on the team, of course, is James Harden, so it will be interesting to see what Daryl Morey does this summer.

Does Chris Paul Fit with the Team?

In theory, Chris Paul should fit with the Rockets quite well. He is a pass-first point guard who can shoot the 3 well and drive even better. People may look at how Ty Lawson did not fit well with the Rockets in 2015-2016, but thankfully him and Chris Paul are not on the same level of talent. CP3 is a veteran floor general who makes any team better. Lawson had off-the-court issues and a lack of 3-point shooting ability.

Putting two ball-dominate guards on the floor at the same time would definitely take some practice. It may cut their individual numbers down, but James Harden and Chris Paul would be able to play fewer minutes and stay rested and healthy for the playoffs. The Rockets need another star to compete with the Warriors, so why not go after CP3?