If Chris Paul cannot go to either the Knicks or Lakers, his preference is to end up with the Cilppers, according to sources.

If Paul is willing to pick up his 12-13 option at the time of a trade, delaying his free agency by one year, the Clippers are prepared to give up either Eric Gordon or Minnesota's unprotected No. 1 pick for 2012.

This would delay Paul's free agency by one season.

Sources are confident that they can keep Paul on a long-term deal, especially if they can sign Blake Griffin next summer.

Warriors executive board member Jerry West offered his thoughts on DeAndre Jordan, a restricted free agent the Warriors signed to a four-year, $43 million offer sheet.

“He’s a young, active player who is probably coming into his own,” West said. “Those are the kinds of players who people are willing to take chances on in terms of paying a lot of money. At the end of the day, you have to find out what’s in store for anyone. I’m just not really sure about him.”

The Los Angeles Clippers have three days to match the Warriors’ offer.

“It’s obvious that they need a low-post defender to help who they have, somebody who’s big and long and takes up a lot of space. But at what price?” West said. “I would never recommend or even consider signing someone unless it was just going to be a one-year fix for you. It gives the coach another piece of the puzzle. To me, everything has to play out, and, by Wednesday, we’ll know where things are. Then, you go to Plan B.”

The Los Angeles Clippers will match the reported four-year, $40 million offer sheet made to their restricted free agent DeAndre Jordan by the Golden State Warriors Saturday, according to a source.

Jordan averaged 10.0 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per 36 minutes during the 10-11 season. Jordan started 66 games and averaged 25.6 minutes.

The decision to match Jordan's offer sheet will likely lead to a trade of Chris Kaman, according to a separate source.

"That's a lot of money for a guy who hasn't really proved anything yet, but it's cheaper than what losing Blake Griffin would do to their fan base," one league executive said.

The Clippers have emerged as the "early frontrunner" to acquire Chris Paul now that talks with the Lakers have fallen apart.

The Hornets were previously seeking a package built around Eric Gordon from the Clippers. But the Clippers have been reluctant to part with too many assets for Paul due to concerns about a long-term commitment.

As important as Gordon would be to the Hornets, the Clippers also own the unprotected 2012 first round pick of the Wolves.

The Warriors will sign DeAndre Jordan to a four-year, $40 million offer sheet, according to multiple sources.

Because Jordan is a restricted free agent, the Clippers will have three days to match the offer.

Jordan reportedly has already received an offer from the Clippers for $40 million, but it is for five years. Jordan's annual average is $2 million higher under Golden State's offer.

The Warriors will not need to amnesty Andris Biedrins to acquire Jordan.

The Celtics, Bulls and Clippers are expected to aggressively pursue Dwight Howard, who has requested a trade from the Magic.

Orlando has given Howard's agent Dan Fegan permission to speak to the Nets, Mavericks and Lakers about Howard.

Howard is eligible to become a free agent in 2012 and while the Magic haven't given up on retaining him, they do not want to lose him without compensation in return.

According to Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel, the Magic are in trade talks with teams beyond his primary choices as one would expect.

The Warriors are preparing an offer sheet for Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, team sources confirmed. League rules require the Warriors have cap space available to cover the first year of the offer before the offer is made.

The Warriors, who have not hidden their desire to acquire a big man, have set their sights on Jordan, 23, after their No. 1 choice, Tyson Chandler, agreed to sign with the New York Knicks.

Jordan is a restricted free agent, so the Clippers will have the right to match the Warriors' offer.

Eric Bledsoe underwent surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee on October 7th. He is expected to be sidelined approximately 6-8 weeks.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Benton Emblom at the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

Caron Butler has agreed to terms with the Clippers on a three-year deal worth $24 million.

The Clippers had been looking to upgrade their small forward position.

Tayshaun Prince was initially the primary target of the Clippers, but he agreed to stay with the Pistons earlier in the day.

The Warriors, Rockets, Hornets and Nuggets are involved in the bidding to sign DeAndre Jordan to an offer sheet on Friday, according to sources.

The Clippers have been expected to match any offer Jordan receives from a rival team.

Jordan is a restricted free agent.