Chris Paul had serious interest in signing with the San Antonio Spurs, according to a source.

Paul felt the uncertainty with LaMarcus Aldridge's situation made the Spurs a less attractive option. The presence of Tony Parker, who is rehabbing a quad injury, also would have made it awkward for Paul.

Paul instead orchestrated an opt-in and trade to go to the Houston Rockets.

After the Los Angeles Clippers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, a source told The Undefeated that a key to his return was playing for a winning team. Paul was open to re-signing with the Clippers, but was concerned they were more likely to regress than progress as a team.

“Chris believes that Houston gives him the best chance to win now,” a source close to Paul said.