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It seems that Chauncey Billups can’t go anywhere without Chris Paul trailing his every move.

The 35-year old veteran guard was acquired by the Los Angeles Clippers around 6pm Monday night through the waiver auction following the New York Knicks’ amnesty of the senior point guard. Los Angeles reportedly submitted a winning bid of $2 million, forcing the Knicks to pick up the remaining $12 million on the player’s guaranteed contract. The acquisition came as a plan B to the Clippers failed attempt to land Chris Paul, the same player whose trade allegations with New York pushed Billups out of a job with the Knicks.

Not even 24 hours later, trade talks of Paul landing in LA have regained momentum, leaving Billups to ask himself, “WTF is going on?”

This past year has been a rocky one for Chauncey. After securing a comfortable starting role on a contending Denver Nuggets- team (where he was likely to retire) Billups was packaged into a trade with Carmelo Anthony, sending him to New York against his will. Although he had not planned to play out his career anywhere but Mile High, Billups embraced the Big Apple and his starting role for a New York Knicks team that had suddenly becoming a contending force in the Eastern Conference.

Billups embraced the Big Apple and his starting role for a New York Knicks team that had suddenly becoming a contending force in the Eastern Conference.

But Billups never had a chance to last with the Knicks, who only saw the veteran guard as short term acquisition to kill time until fate could united them with Chris Paul. Everyone in New York knew it, including Chauncey, who commented on the team’s position following his amnesty:

“From the first day I got there, it was always about who was going to be the next point guard, without giving me a real chance. I get it, but at the same time my track record speaks for itself. Give me a real chance to prove I can be that guy. The whole deal with Denver was about Melo, and that’s understandable. He’s a young star in the league. But at the same time, I don't think the Knicks valued what else they got in the deal.”

Billups isn’t the first point guard to be mistreated by an insensitive Knicks’ front office.

After signing Amar’e Stoudemire last off-season, New York continued inking deals by signing former Bobcats guard Raymond Felton in the hope of attracting the real gem of 2010, LeBron James. Although the plan didn’t succeed in swaying the King’s decision, it did leave the Knicks with two top value players that surprisingly gelled.

The tandem played well throughout the first few months of the season, turning what was a dismal franchise into a contender in the Eastern Conference. Stoudemire’s level of play had been expected, but the recent success of the “new” Knicks was largely due to a rejuvenated Felton. The Knicks point guard seemed to be playing with a renewed interest in the sport, channeling his days as a Tar Heel. His motivated play had paid off, as Felton’s stats in points and assists were among the top 15 in the league.

But it was that same great play that would be his own downfall in New York. As Felton’s numbers rose, so did his stock, making a deal to land Carmelo Anthony in New York much easier for the Knicks’ front office. The former Tar Heel and National Champion point guard had done exactly what was asked of him in New York, and had been shipped to Denver for it.

Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Both Felton and Billups had won championships in their own right — Chauncey Billups with the Detroit Pistons and Felton with the UNC — but neither's credentials could overcome the prospect of landing Chris Paul.

Even more ironic than their trade ties is the fact that both guards find themselves 3,000 miles away from their former employers in New York. Felton has finally found what appears to be a long-term role with the Portland Trailblazers, while Billups landed in Los Angeles. Although Felton can rest easy as Portland seems out of the running for CP3, Billups must continue to look over his shoulder.

Sources claim Billups serves as an additional attractive piece for Paul in choosing LA's other team over other trade contenders. But If I were Paul, I would see him as respected veteran guard who continues to find himself in the middle of my dealings. The Clippers can afford to keep both on the payroll, with LA only accountable for 14% of Billups’ total contract, but it is hard to imagine how it will work.

Los Angeles could implement a two-guard system similar to that of their California comrades, the Golden State Warriors, with Billups and Paul sharing a dual guard role. Moving Billups to the two guard may serve the veteran correctly as it will remove him from the grind of handling the ball every possession. As a two guard, Billups can focus on the one thing that he was best identified with — hitting the "Big-Shot". The move could add some longevity to the veteran's career as well, as he may be past the days of putting in 35+ minutes a game.

Billups should feel safe to have finally landed in LA. He threatened to retire if acquired by a non-contender, but the Clippers felt confident enough to win over Mr. Big Shot, and rightfully so. I think any point guard in the league would salivate at the prospect of throwing one up for Blake Griffin to slam down. Combine that with the recent acquisition of Caron Butler and resigning of DeAndre Jordan to create the ideal team for any ball handler, Paul included.

One would believe Billups has prepared himself for every outcome imaginable. He accepted the Knicks’ decision of being one of the first players ever amnestied in the NBA. He accepted the outcome of that same process, approving of the new challenge waiting for him in LA. The one thing I bet he didn't prepare for was the prospect of playing alongside Paul in this upcoming 66-game season. But if he had grown accustomed to reading the words "Billups" and "Paul" in the same sentence, finding both names in the Clippers box score couldn't hurt, right?