Chris Paul verbally agrees to new deal with Clippers

Chris Paul has reportedly agreed verbally to a deal with Los Angeles valued at $200 million.

According to a report from NBC Sports, the Clippers and Chris Paul have verbally agreed to new terms. This gives Los Angeles a little bit of room to breath when it comes to re-signing both Paul and Blake Griffin.

There’s talk that Griffin could go to Boston, but things would have to heat up pretty dramatically — and quickly — if that’s going to happen before the deadline.

One thing that the article from NBC Sports goes on to point out is how this will affect J.J. Redick. Redick will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, and because the team own certain rights to him, they’ll be able to pay more than the salary cap allows.

Los Angeles needs its superstars in order to remain anywhere near contention. Golden State and San Antonio are powerhouses that won’t be going away, and that doesn’t help the Clippers’ championship window.

All of that aside, another question we should be asking about Paul’s new deal is if he’s really worth that kind of money. Sure, he’s a great point guard, but will he continue to be that much of an x-factor?

The Clippers are going to need to know they can rely on him to also stay healthy. It’s caused problems in the past — particularly last year — and that’s a trend they can’t afford to have continue.

Doc Rivers knows that this season is paramount to any future success as a head coach. The team has yet to even reach the conference finals under him, but this could be the year that changes.

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Getting Chris Paul on the same page for the immediate future helps put the stress that comes with that to ease.