Clippers acquire Chris Paul, send Eric Gordon to New Orleans

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The Clippers have agreed to acquire All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets in a blockbuster deal that includes sending Eric Gordon to the Hornets, two people with knowledge of the situation who were not authorized to speak on the matter said Wednesday.

[UPDATED, 6:45 p.m.: The Clippers have officially confirmed the deal.]

The Clippers will send the Hornets Chris Kaman and his expiring $12.7-million contract, second-year forward Al-Farouq Aminu and the unprotected No. 1 draft pick the Clippers got from the Minnesota Timberwolves, both people said.

The Clippers will get Paul and two future second-round draft picks from the Hornets.

PHOTOS: Clippers land All-Star Chris Paul

The NBA, which operates the Hornets as team owner, was prepared to approve the deal Wednesday night, both people said.

The Clippers had been granted permission to talk Paul, and he informed them that he would pick up his option of $17.7 million for the 2012-13 season and might be interested in signing a contract extension after the trade, both people said.

Paul will earn $16.3 million this season.

The Clippers gave up a good young shooting guard in Gordon, but were able to keep second-year point guard Eric Bledsoe.

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-- Broderick Turner