"While one New Orleans Hornets All-Star awaits his fate, another could be on the way out. The Hornets are negotiating a sign-and-trade agreement with Boston that would send two-time All-Star forward David West to the Celtics, league sources said. Some reports have the Hornets acquiring center Jermaine O'Neal in the deal, but it could not be confirmed Saturday night.

West, 31, opted out of a contract that would've paid him $7.5 million this season. The Hornets had pursued re-signing him.

Meanwhile, guard Chris Paul, who played with West for six seasons, is awaiting word on a second attempt at a trade that would send him to the Lakers.

The Hornets would liked to have had West back, and Paul's situation had no bearing on his decision.

``David made it very clear that he loves Chris, but they are not connected at the hip,'' Hornets General Manager Dell Demps said Friday. ``We have talked to David and his representatives.''

West, a first-round pick by the Hornets in 2003, tore his left anterior cruciate ligament last season and required reconstructive knee surgery. If he joins the Celtics, he would battle for playing time behind Kevin Garnett. Former Orlando Magic and LSU power forward Brandon Bass recently was acquired by the Celtics in exchange for former LSU forward Glen "Big Baby'' Davis."