The relationship between Chris Paul and Doc Rivers began to deteriorate when the Los Angeles Clippers traded for Austin Rivers.

Paul and other members of the Clippers felt Rivers didn't treat his son the same way as he did the rest of the players on the team. 

When Doc Rivers decided not to trade for Carmelo Anthony in a trade that would have included Austin Rivers, Paul's position on the matter solidified as he viewed the Rivers as putting family over team.

"Chris despises Doc," said one league executive.

This move also gives Paul the ability to become a free agent during the same offseason as LeBron James in 2018.

The Clippers traded for Austin Rivers in 2015 and re-signed him in the 2016 offseason on a three-year, $35 million deal.