Report: Chris Paul chose Rockets over Spurs due to LaMarcus Aldridge uncertainty

Chris Paul looked like he could’ve gone to the Spurs, but the uncertainty surrounding LaMarcus Aldridge reportedly played a big factor.

Chris Paul had long been linked to the San Antonio Spurs after he officially opted out of his deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, and it looks like the Spurs may have accidentally hurt their chances at signing the superstar.

Paul was traded to another Texas team, the Houston Rockets, a few days ago in a deal that sent Patrick Beverley and a ton of other assets over to the Clippers as compensation. Now, reports are coming out about a possible reason he chose Houston over San Antonio as his Texas destination.

According to a report from The Undefeated’s Marc Spears, the uncertainty around LaMarcus Aldridge’s current situation in the Spurs organization, along with his overall unhappiness, may have deterred Paul when it came to signing with the team.

“Paul was seriously interested in playing for the Spurs, according to a source,” Spears wrote in the report. “But with Aldridge’s status with the Spurs up in the air, it made the situation less attractive.”

Spears added that the situation surrounding Tony Parker as the Spurs’ point guard also may have played a factor, and the two issues combined may have been a big deal breaker for the former Clippers star.

“It probably would have been awkward for Paul to take the starting role over longtime Spurs point guard, respected foe and friend Tony Parker,” Spears wrote.

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Now, Paul finds himself teaming with James Harden on the Rockets as they look to take down the Golden State Warriors, rather than in a lineup alongside Kawhi Leonard, Pau Gasol, and possibly Aldridge.

Who knows if the Spurs could’ve worked out a deal for the NBA All-Star, but it surely doesn’t help to know they aren’t a very attractive option for free agents this offseason.