The landscape of the NBA's Western Conference changed dramatically when Chris Paul was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Houston Rockets just before the free agency period began earlier this offseason.

Paul was the maestro of the "Lob City" Clippers that made the playoffs in each of his six seasons with the team, after missing the postseason in 13 of the 14 seasons before he arrived. Teamed up with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, Paul often drew criticism for not leading his team to the Western Conference finals during his time in Los Angeles.

In an interview with Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Paul said that he felt a change was the best thing for both himself and the Clippers organization.

"I feel like the last six years we've had a great run," Paul said. "I felt like it was not only a good time for change for me, but for the team, too. Everyone says, 'We get killed. We can't get there. We just can't get over the hurdle.' I felt like it was time for change."

Paul also said that Clippers coach Doc Rivers agreed that it was time for the two sides to part ways, and that he was happy the Clippers were able to get something out of the eventual deal. Los Angeles received a litany of players from the Rockets in exchange for Paul, including Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams and Sam Dekker.

Paul added that when he walked off the court after losing Game 7 of the opening round of the playoffs to the Jazz, he didn't know that it would be his last game in a Clippers uniform, and that the report that he and Doc Rivers butted heads over Austin Rivers was false.

"Just like I called Blake and those guys, I called Austin," Paul said. "I wish him the best of luck with what he has going on in the future. … No, that report wasn't true. If anything, Austin has grown up a lot and is getting better. I heard the report. It's not worth responding to."

Paul and James Harden will form one of the most devastating backcourts in the NBA next season, and Mike D'Antoni's offense will likely lead to some prolific scoring. Spears also asked Paul about the rumors of Carmelo Anthony potentially joining them on the Rockets, to which Paul replied, "Man, sit back and wait."