Instead of testing free agency like expected, Chris Paul agreed to opt-in to his contract with the Clippers so the team can trade him to the Rockets, according to The Vertical.

Los Angeles wins big here as it will receive Patrick Beverley (who just made All-Defensive First Team), Sam Dekker, Lou Williams (who was a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year) and a 2018 first-round draft pick. The Clippers were about to lose Paul to free agency and get nothing in return, so the fact they could get plenty of valuable players in exchange should be seen as a win.

Beverly and Dekker appeared to confirm the trade when both players took to Twitter on Wednesday.

Let's get it Clippers!!! Let's get it!!!! — Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) June 28, 2017

Houston, thanks for welcoming me with open arms. I gave my all every time I was on the court. Time to get to work for LA! #Clips — Sam Dekker (@dekker) June 28, 2017

The Rockets obviously improve as well with the addition of Paul, which means James Harden will most likely move over to shooting guard. Harden excelled at the point position last year as he finished second in MVP voting, but he'll probably be fine with Paul taking control of the offense.

While it may seem confusing as to why the Rockets would trade for Paul instead of waiting for free agency, the reasoning can be directed towards money. Houston doesn't need to pay Paul the extensive amount of money it would have paid him as a free agent.

Chris Paul opting in instead of signing new max contract now will cost him about $11 million next season. But he has a $3.6M trade kicker. — Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) June 28, 2017

This trade also will impact Blake Griffin's decision as a free agent, as the talented big man opted out of his deal with the Clippers. He could reconsider joining the team now as he'd become the face of the franchise with Paul out, or he could view the Clippers as a disaster with no real stars and decide to join a team where he'll have more success.

The blockbuster deal also likely halts any efforts being made by the Rockets to bring in Paul George. ESPN reported Tuesday that Houston was looking to acquire the Indiana All-Star, but the franchise doesn't have the pieces anymore to make such a move.

By opting-in to his contract with the Clippers, Paul is only guaranteed to play for one season in Houston. After that, he'd be eligible for a supermax deal.

UPDATE: In order to match salaries, the Rockets had to include more players in their deal for Paul. So Houston traded for Ryan Kelly (from Hawks), DeAndre Liggins (from Mavericks), Tim Quarterman (from Trail Blazers), Darrun Hilliard (from Pistons) and Shawn Long (from 76ers) on Wednesday.

What's unclear is who among those players will be sent to Los Angeles in the deal for Paul. The Vertical is reporting only Liggins and Hilliard are involved (along with the Rockets' Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Wiltjer) while NBA.com's David Aldridge is reporting Quarterman and Kelly are also involved.

In any case, the players on non-guaranteed deals headed to L.A. will make it easier for the Clippers to unload. And no matter who ends up getting dealed, it's obvious that the Rockets' front office spent a lot of time Wednesday figuring out deals and they made five, which doesn't even include the unofficial Paul trade.