Smart move by the Clippers. Wouldn't have been very smart to build a team around Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Patch work is DEFINITELY the way to go.
I think they're thinking is "Build around Griffin/Jordon/Gordon and Minny's 2012 #1 while having Chauncey and Butler be on the squad as they gain playoff experience."
I just think it's silly. You're hoping players pan out, go for the proven commodity.
The counter-argument would be that Gordon *is* a proven commodity. Gordon + Chauncey in a starting role are arguably as good as CP3 in that role, at least in the short term. That leaves Kaman, Aminu, and the Twolves picks as bonuses for this year, and if they develop, fantastic.
CP3 is a great player, but it's arguable whether he's worth a young star, a solid center, two young guys with legit potential, and a potential high lottery pick.
I think the Clippers are doing the smart thing in telling the NBA to pound salt. Ultimately, I think they'll get Paul at a lesser price.