ESPN.com reports the New Orleans point guard's priority is to play for a winner. Report says executives around the NBA think cash-strapped Hornets owner George Shinn may have to deal Paul's rich contract. Paul and LeBron James are close friends.
Speculation continues that star New Orleans point guard Chris Paul could be traded.Apparently, speculation about the possibility of New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul being available in trade has some legitimacy. This morning, Chris Broussard of ESPN.com reports that Paul, considered by many as the NBA's best point guard, is open to being traded if the Hornets aren't intent on becoming a contender.
Broussard writes, quoting Paul:
"My first choice is to be in New Orleans,'' Paul said in a telephone interview from London. "I just want to make sure we're committed to winning. If we're not committed to winning and trying to get better so we can contend with the Lakers, the Celtics and all these other top teams, then I'm open to being traded.''
Reports that clubs have been making offers for Paul surfaced earlier this week. Hornets general manager Jeff Bower denied that the club was shopping its three-time All-Star point guard, but admitted to having dialogue with other teams concerning "all of our players.''
The Plain Dealer's Mary Schmitt Boyer reports on some speculation about Chris Paul in "The LeBron rumor mill" and Plain Dealer Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst writes about the possibility of the Cavaliers acquiring a pick in Thursday night's draft.
The NBA draft is on Thursday night. Trades are often made on the day before or the day of the draft. Broussard writes about why New Orleans might be willing to trade Paul:
But around the league, speculation remains that the Hornets may move Paul. With owner George Shinn's proposed sale to Gary Chouest being delayed for financial reasons, opposing executives believe New Orleans may have to trade Paul and the $50 million owed to him over the next three seasons.
"If George Shinn can't sell the team, I think Chris Paul will be traded," an executive from an Eastern Conference team said. "Shinn's strapped for money. He's going to have to move him."
Broussard mentions a scenario that would be difficult -- because of the salary cap and other considerations -- though not impossible, to unfold; a scenario that could impact the Cavaliers and their potential free agent, NBA two-time MVP LeBron James.
Broussard writes:
While Paul did not say anything about playing with James, it's well-known that the two are close friends who would love to be on the same team. If a club with significant cap room, such as New Jersey, landed Paul, its chances of getting James would certainly increase.