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Is a Chris Paul sign-and-trade possible?

By Quenton S. Albertie

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 01: Chris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers greet each other during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Clippers defeated the Cavaliers 113-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 01: Chris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers greet each other during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Clippers defeated the Cavaliers 113-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Could the Cleveland Cavaliers complete a sign-and-trade for Chris Paul?

The Cleveland Cavaliers may have just walked into a gift in the form of a 6-foot-0 Hall of Fame point guard. According to FS1’s Chris Broussard, there have been tensions between the Houston Rockets and free agent Chris Paul as Paul tries to secure a maximum contract this summer.

Quote transcribed by Dan Feldman of NBC Sports:

"“From what I’m told, there is tension now between Houston and Chris Paul. Because there was definitely some type of handshake, wink wink, “we’re going to max you out” last summer. But here’s the thing: Now, they’re not so sure. Houston, with good reason, doesn’t want to do that. But they’ve got an out, because they have new ownership. So, Daryl Morey can go to Chris Paul and be like, “I want to do it, but we’ve got the new owner doesn’t want to give you five years, four years.”"

Feldman would go on to compare the frivolous spending of Rockets former owner Leslie Alexander to the frugality of new owner Tillman Ferttita and how it effects Paul.

That said, if the relationship between Paul and the Rockets front office sours, the Cavaliers can convince Paul to join James and Cleveland for a run to the NBA Finals. James, if he truly prefers to stay in Cleveland, simply would have to implore Paul to ask for the Rockets to help facilitate a sign-and-trade.

What the Cavs would definitely be willing to give up for Paul would be the contracts of George Hill and J.R. Smith, the closest things to expiring contracts that they have and a future first-round pick.

They may even be willing to move Kevin Love or Collin Sexton, though they would be wise to try to hold onto both and reluctant to move either.

They may have too though.

When Paul was sent to the Rockets in a sign-and-trade, the biggest pieces the Rockets gave up were a defensive specialist Patrick Beverley, sixth man Lou Williams and a protected first-round pick in 2018. When James was sent to the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade, the Cavaliers received two future first round picks, two future second-round picks and a $15 million trade exception.

The most desirable pieces the Cavs have are Love, Sexton and a 2021 first-round pick.

At least one of those assets would have to be given up for Paul, if not more.

Paul averaged 18.6 points, 7.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game on 46.0 percent shooting from the field, 38.0 percent shooting from three and 91.9 percent shooting from the charity stripe. In the postseason, Paul averaged 21.1 points, 5.8 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game on 45.9 percent shooting from the field, 37.4 percent shooting from three and 83.0 percent shooting from the charity stripe.

A nine-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA selection, nine-time All-Defensive selection, a six-time steals champion, four-time assists champion and the 2005-2006 Rookie of the Year, Paul is the type of talent that could be the “missing piece” for the Cavaliers.

He’s one of the best facilitators in the game thanks to his basketball IQ, court vision and experience. He can score from anywhere on the court and is capable of being the assertive scorer off-the-bounce or off-ball sniper. He’s a hard-nosed on-ball defender who makes the most of his size.

Furthermore, while it may be rudimentary logic, if the Rockets could have the Golden State Warriors against the ropes in the Western Conference Finals led by Paul and James Harden, then Paul could have a similar  impact in Cleveland beside (LeBron) James.

Say that the Rockets opted for a package of Hill and Love and a future first round pick as an attempt to get as much established talent as possible beside Harden in his prime.

This would be the Cavaliers’ ideal nine-man rotation:

Paul — Sexton

Hood — Clarkson

James — Korver

Love

Nance Jr. — Thompson

Not bad.

Keeping Love, a five-time All-Star, and trying to move Smith instead would be preferable for the Cavs. It’s unlikely the Rockets would prefer the mercurial Smith over a steady offensive threat in Love but it’s worth the try.

There’s very little not to like about the possibilities. Especially if the Cavs can keep both Love and Sexton.

Related Story: 3 reasons to love the Collin Sexton pick

*All stats gathered from www.basketball-reference.com