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.