Part of a statement released by Shinn, prompted by trade rumors involving Paul: "We will continue to build around Chris Paul, and we want to see him in a Hornets uniform for the remainder of his career."
New Orleans point guard Chris Paul warming up for a game against the Cavaliers.By Jimmy Smith
New Orleans Times-Picayune
New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn issued a statement indicating the team's committment to winning, and keeping All-Star guard Chris Paul in a Hornets' uniform.
"The resolve that my partner Gary Chouest and I have will always remain the same: to continue to build our legacy in New Orleans, and to develop a path and plan to win an NBA Championship for New Orleans and all of Louisiana," the statement said.
"We are about building and sustaining a winning tradition. Chris Paul is the cornerstone of our franchise and brings us unequaled support on and off the court. We will continue to build around Chris Paul, and we want to see him in a Hornets uniform for the remainder of his career. We have an exciting future, and with the leadershipo of our new head coach and players like Chris Paul, we know the best is yet to come. We plan to take advantage of any opportunities to improve our team."
The statement comes in response to continued rumors swirling that Paul could be traded, and Paul's comments that he'd be open to a trade if the Hornets were not committed to winning.
(Cleveland.com note: Earlier today, Chris Broussard of ESPN.com filed this report on the possibility of Paul being traded)