Rockets' Morey: Long-term deal with Paul won't be decided until next summer
The Houston Rockets are prepared to wait and see before deciding on Chris Paul's future with the team.
While Houston general manager Daryl Morey admits the Rockets have already talked to the 6-foot point guard about his impending free agency, no decision will be made until the 2018 offseason.
"We’ve had high-level discussions (with Paul about his future)," Morey told Sports Illustrated's Ben Golliver. "(Paul) hopes to continue with Houston. He likes the team, the organization and the city. In terms of him actually signing long term, that’s something that won’t be decided until next year."
While there's no doubting Paul's individual talent, Houston is likely unwilling to commit to a long-term deal before seeing how the nine-time All-Star fits alongside James Harden in Mike D'Antoni's offense.
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Paul was acquired by the Rockets just days before the start of free agency in a trade that sent Patrick Beverley, Montrezl Harrell, Lou Williams, and others to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The 32-year-old averaged 18.1 points, 9.2 assists, five rebounds, and two steals on 47.6 percent shooting for the Clippers this past season.