Chris Paul made the headlines last week after it was reported that he demanded the Rockets trade him, as the All-Star guard's relationship with fellow star James Harden reportedly has reached the point where "it can't be fixed."
Paul took to Instagram the report, writing that the rift between him and Harden was "news to me..." He then told the Houston Chronicle that he never requested for a trade. In his own words, "I never asked for a trade. "I'll be in Houston," Paul said. "I'm happy about that. I'm very happy about that. I'm good."
Paul has been plagued with rumors for weeks, with reports suggesting that his reps had asked that he be traded. According to Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, neither Paul nor his representatives asked for a trade and denied that there is a growing tension between Paul and Harden
Rumors have been swirling over the past couple of weeks that Paul wanted out of Houston due to a rift with star James Harden. Further escalating those rumors are reports that the Rockets have placed everyone -- outside of Harden -- on the trade block in an effort to increase their chances of winning an NBA championship next season.
Paul, 34, is scheduled to make $38.5 million next season. He's owed nearly $125 million over the next three.
This postseason, Houston made it to the Western Conference semifinals before getting eliminated by the Warriors in six games. It's the fourth time in five seasons that the Warriors dispatched the Rockets from the playoffs.
It was also reported in May that Morey made the entire roster and all future draft picks available in trade talks. This was also the time the news between Paul and Harden's reported rift imploded. Harden allegedly told the Houston front office that it's a choice between Paul or him.
There's definitely a lot of rumors going around Houston. Persistent news mentioning the team is to be expected of a franchise that considers itself a prime contender for the NBA title.
Whether via trade or free agency, the team is expected to add a new talent next month. Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle said the Rockets will aggressively target Jimmy Butler. They'll be connected with other players in the near future, too.
But based on Paul and Morey's interviews, the Rockets will likely continue building around Paul and Harden in 2019-2020. And to improve their on-court relationship, the duo must commit.
