By: Stephen Patterson
In an interview earlier today, Chris Paul said if the Hornets aren't committed to improving and winning, that he would be open to a trade. While saying he loves being in New Orleans still, he says he wants to know the team plans to improve in order to contend with the Lakers, Celtics, and other top tier teams.
Multiple sources, including several rival executives, believe there is a decent chance the Hornets will wind up trading Paul because of financial problems that are slowing the sale of the team.
Monty Williams, the teams new head coach, is definitely hoping the team keeps Paul, saying he was one of the main reasons he took the job. However, with some of the offers that have already been reported, it may be only a matter of time before Paul is on his way out of town. Let's take a look at some of the offers:
-- New Jersey Nets: The Nets have reportedly offered Devin Harris and the 3rd overall pick in tomorrow nights Draft to New Orleans for Paul. This deal would give the team another quality point guard to go along with promising youngster Darren Collison. It also provides them with a high draft pick they could use on a wing player like Welsey Johnson or perhaps a big man like Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins. The Nets really want to land Paul, thinking it may increase the odds of luring buddy LeBron James in free agency.
-- Orlando Magic: There are reports that the Magic have offered both Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson for Paul and likely a bad contract or two. Carter didn't exactly live up to the expectations the Magic had for him when they made the blockbuster deal last summer to acquire him from New Jersey and while Nelson is a good player, he's no where near as good as Paul at distributing the ball and finding teammates. This would probably be the best place for Paul to land, giving him the opportunity to play alongside Dwight Howard.
-- Memphis Grizzlies: While owner Michael Heisley has publicly denied it, several sources have said the team offered OJ Mayo and atleast one Draft pick (likely multiple) for Paul. This deal probably makes the least sense for the Hornets. While Mayo would provide them with an excellant scoring option, it's unlikely the pick(s) would be enough of a side item in the trade to make it worth while unless the Grizzlies offered all 3 picks (or both if they make the discussed trade with Minnesota). It also wouldn't make much sense for the Grizzlies to part with Mayo before knowing free agent Rudy Gay's plans for next season.
Keep an eye on this situation, especially over the next 36 hours heading into the Draft. Every summer there's usually atleast one blockbuster deal struck around the Draft and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Paul was one of the headlines. It's no secret Paul hasn't been thrilled with some of the moves New Orleans has made recently, and with the prospect of a sale in the near future for the team, I'd say the odds are better than 50/50 that Paul has a new home by the start of the season.
