New Orleans Hornets Trade Rumors

Rockets trying to acquire Kaman
February 1
SI.com
 
"The Houston Rockets have had extensive discussions with the New Orleans Hornets about center Chris Kaman and appear to be in the lead to trade for him, numerous sources told SI.com. The NBA-owned Hornets, who acquired Kaman from the Clippers in the Chris Paul deal on Dec. 15, rendered him inactive last week and publicly acknowledged their decision to trade him. Hornets general manager Dell Demps has been shopping for a deal involving young players and draft picks while the big man awaits his next destination. Kaman, 29, an All-Star in 2009-2010 when he averaged 18.5 points and 9.2 rebounds, is making $14 million in the last year of his contract. Dealing with the Hornets means any trade"
Celtics have interest in Kaman, if bought out
January 29
Boston Globe
 
"As team president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has maintained for years, he is always looking to improve the roster and the Celtics are keeping its eyes open when it comes to New Orleans center Chris Kaman, who is being offered for trade by Hornets general manager Dell Demps. According to an NBA source, the Celtics would be interested in Kaman if the impending free agent is bought out of his contract. The Hornets have told Kaman, 29, to stay home while they try to orchestrate a trade. They acquired Kaman in the trade for Chris Paul last month but have decided to go with younger players."
Cavaliers reportedly interested in Hornets center Chris Kaman
January 29
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Although Cavs general manager Chris Grant declined to comment, NBA sources indicate the Cavs are interested in New Orleans center Chris Kaman, who is on the trading block. At this point, their level of interest is unclear, although the Cavs have long been admirers of the 7-footer obtained by the Hornets from the Clippers in the trade for Chris Paul earlier this season. A call to Kaman's agent, Rob Pelinka, was not returned on Saturday and Cavs coach Byron Scott refused to weigh in. "I have no thoughts on that whatsoever," Scott said as the Cavs prepared to leave for Boston, where they will face the Celtics today. "CG, that's his job to handle all that." Kaman, who will turn 30 on April 28,"
Eric Gordon said mutual agreement was made to hold off contract extension
January 28
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Eric Gordon said Friday morning it was a mutual decision between him and the franchise to put off trying to get an extension agreement finalized before Wednesday's deadline. Gordon will become a restricted free agent on July 1, and the Hornets General Manager Dell Demps said they will make a push to re-sign him. ``It wasn't that I turned down anything, it works both ways,'' Gordon said. ``Yes, I'll be restricted, but I am just a basketball player right now and the future is unclear. ``All I can do is worry about coming back at this point to try and help the team win games at the end of the year. It's not the best situation, but it's also not the worst. As"
Center Chris Kaman being shopped
January 28
ESPN.com
 
"The New Orleans Hornets are actively trying to trade center Chris Kaman, who was not with the team for its home game Friday night against Orlando as the league-owned Hornets field trade calls for him. The Hornets have decided to shelve Kaman until they can find a trade home for him after making the decision to give his minutes to young players. Kaman had been made inactive for Wednesday's loss at Oklahoma City even though he's not injured. "We've informed Chris that we are looking into possible trades and he was understanding about the situation," Hornets GM Dell Demps said. "We're working together on this. "Chris has been the ultimate professional since he joined us. In no way is this a"
Hornets center-forward Chris Kaman not with team, expected to be traded
January 28
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"New Orleans Hornets backup center-forward Chris Kaman is not with the team right now because of an organizational decision, team officials said Friday night. The Hornets are expected to pursue trade offers for Kaman, who has an expiring contract that pays him about $14 million this season. Although he is not injured, Kaman was put on the inactive list for Wednesday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder for the first time this season. In place of Kaman, Gustavo Ayon played 17 minutes and scored 16 points on eight-of-10 shooting against the Thunder. ``It's just something that we want to play our young guys and we certainly don't want to disrespect Chris at all,'' Hornets Coach"
Hornets say they still want to re-sign Eric Gordon as a centerpiece
January 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"As the centerpiece of last month's trade that involved All-Star point guard Chris Paul going to the Los Angeles Clippers, shooting guard Eric Gordon was in the Hornets' long-term plans to emerge as their franchise player. For those plans to continue, the Hornets are going to have to compete with other teams this summer to keep Gordon around after he declined to accept their four-year extension offer before Wednesday's 11 p.m. deadline passed. Gordon, 6 feet 3, 215 pounds, will become a restricted free agent July 1, and General Manager Dell Demps said they are going to make a strong push to re-sign him. "I'm still very optimistic that we will make Eric a big part of our team for years to"
New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon could miss even more time
January 26
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"The Times-Picayune's John Reid just tweeted: "Guard Eric Gordon could miss up to six weeks to recover from his knee injury, according to Hornets." Reid is reporting that Gordon will be re-evaluated after three weeks, but the team is prepared for him being out longer."
Hornets unable to finalize contract extension for guard Eric Gordon
January 26
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Despite extensive negotiations that lasted right up until Wednesday night's deadline, the Hornets could not reach an extension agreement with guard Eric Gordon, league sources said. Gordon will become a restricted free agent on July 1 and the Hornets can match any offer. The Hornets had to get a deal completed by 11 p.m., central time. Hornets General Manager Dell Demps did not accompanied the team to Oklahoma City so he could negotiate with Gordon's agent, Rob Pelinka."
New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon's return uncertain
January 22
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"It's uncertain when Hornets starting shooting guard Eric Gordon may return, but Coach Monty Williams said doctors are still conducting tests on his bruised right knee. Gordon missed his 10th consecutive game Saturday night against the Dallas Mavericks. "I know some things that I would love to tell you guys that I do know, but I've got to hold on to it for another day or two,'' Williams said. "They are still running tests; we'll know more Monday or Tuesday.'' Gordon said last week that it has been tough sitting out games, but he is sticking to the timetable set by the Hornets' training staff. "I really haven't thought much about it, but it's been tough not being out there,'' Gordon said."
Eric Gordon says he is open to an extended stay with New Orleans Hornets, who must decide if he fits into their plans
January 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Shooting guard Eric Gordon said he's willing to sign a long-term contract extension with the Hornets, who have until Wednesday to make that happen. But as the clock ticks away on that deadline, it's also ticking on the timeline that is keeping Gordon sidelined with a bone bruise in his right knee that has limited the Hornets' leading scorer to just two games this season. The question begs, therefore: have the Hornets seen enough in two games, one of which Gordon made the winning shot, to offer Gordon an extension that would keep him in New Orleans for another four or five years? Or does the team wait until the season ends, and with a new owner in place, then possibly commit its resources"
Report: Sixers agree to trade Speights
January 4
CSN Philly
 
"According to reports, the Sixers have agreed to a deal that will ship forward Marreese Speights to Memphis. In return, the Sixers would get two second-round picks from New Orleans. The Hornets (who the Sixers play on Wednesday night) would get Memphis' Xavier Henry. Speights, in his fourth year, has not appeared in any of the Sixers' four games this season. He has averaged 7.2 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game in his career."
New Orleans Hornets talking with Mexican center Gustavo Ayon
December 19
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"The New Orleans Hornets are in pursuit of a possible backup center, Gustavo Ayon, a Mexican player currently under contract with a rather large buyout, sources said Sunday night. Ayon, 6 feet 10, 245 pounds, has been a member of the Mexican national basketball team since 2007. A member of the Hornets' staff, sources said, scouted the 26-year-old several times prior to the start of the 149-day lockout."
Hornets keep free-agent forward Jason Smith in the fold
December 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Just two days after acquiring one 7-footer via trade, the New Orleans Hornets got another on Friday when free-agent forward Jason Smith agreed to rejoin the team with a three-year, $7.5 million contract. But according to Smith's agent, Mark Bartelstein, it was the attention afforded the 25-year-old Smith last season by the New Orleans coaching staff that convinced Smith that the Hornets were the place he wanted to be despite aggressive recruiting from nearly a dozen other NBA teams. The move helps fortify the Hornets' front line along with newly acquired 7-foot center Chris Kaman. "I think he just created such a bond with that coaching staff last year," Bartelstein said of Smith. "I think"
Hornets lock up forward Carl Landry with one-year deal just under $9 million
December 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Thanks to the relationship forged between coach and player, the New Orleans Hornets secured their power forward spot on Thursday when free-agent Carl Landry accepted a one-year contract for just under $9 million, Landry's agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed. Bartelstein said the NBA, which currently owns the Hornets as the search for a new owner winds down, encouraged a short-term agreement over a longer term contract. "The NBA is not wanting to make long-term commitments on contracts now because of the sale of the team," Bartelstein said. "So they wanted to do one year. And we looked at some different scenarios. Carl, he really built a connection with Monty Williams and really, really"
Clippers acquire Chris Paul, send Eric Gordon to New Orleans
December 15
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Clippers have agreed to acquire All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets in a blockbuster deal that includes sending Eric Gordon to the Hornets, two people with knowledge of the situation who were not authorized to speak on the matter said Wednesday. The Clippers will send the Hornets Chris Kaman and his expiring $12.7-million expiring contract, second-year forward Al-Farouq Aminu and the unprotected No. 1 draft pick the Clippers got from the Minnesota Timberwolves, both people said. The Clippers will get Paul and two future second-round draft picks from the Hornets."
Source: CP3-To-Clips Hung Up In Standoff
December 14
NBA.com
 
"The New Orleans Hornets continue to ask for guard Eric Gordon and the unprotected first-round Draft pick originally from the Timberwolves as the central assets in a potential deal with the Clippers for Chris Paul, a league source told TNT's David Aldridge Wednesday morning. But the Clippers remain adamant that the Hornets cannot have both Gordon and the pick and must choose between the two. The standoff is the major impediment in a possible trade between the two teams. While the Hornets are having discussions with other teams about their four-time All-Star guard, including the Lakers, the Clippers' group of assets remains the most desirable and the one that New Orleans wants. The"
Sources: Chris Paul talks continue
December 14
ESPN.com
 
"League officials representing the New Orleans Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers continued discussions into Tuesday night on a trade that would put Chris Paul on the same team with Blake Griffin, according to sources briefed on the talks. But the sides have yet to find a framework that satisfies both, sources said, with the NBA not relenting on its desire to acquire the Clippers' top five available trade assets in return for Paul, who would invoke the 2012-13 option in his contract as part of any trade between the teams to ensure the Clippers would have him for at least two seasons. "They're still asking for everyone," said one source with knowledge of the Clippers' thinking."
Source: Clips 'Move On' From CP3 Talks
December 13
NBA.com
 
"While the New Orleans Hornets hope to revive trade talks involving four-time All-Star Chris Paul with the Los Angeles Clippers, a league source tells TNT's David Aldridge that the Clippers have "moved on" and are not, at the moment, interested in restarting the discussions. Sources late Monday night indicated that the Hornets — whose negotiations for Paul are being handled by the NBA, which owns the team — believed there was still a chance that they could find common ground with the Clippers on a deal. But a source directly involved in the negotiations said early Tuesday morning that it was doubtful the Hornets would compromise enough for Los Angeles to be interested. "I don't know that"
Forward Carl Landry 'still open' to a return to the New Orleans Hornets
December 13
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"It might seem as though the Hornets are a dysfunctional NBA stepchild unable to formulate a trade for guard Chris Paul that would satisfy team owner and Commissioner David Stern. But that front office turmoil hasn't bothered free agent forward Carl Landry, who in 23 games with New Orleans a year ago developed a fondness for the team and city that makes him open to a return no matter the circumstances. "It's crazy; there's a lot of stuff going on," Landry said by phone Monday afternoon from outside of Indianapolis, where's he spending time working out while waiting to sign a contract with an NBA team. "I like New Orleans and everything about the team, the front office. I know (General"
Clips hesitant about package for Paul
December 13
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Despite expressed interest from the NBA in reviving talks, the Los Angeles Clippers are still reticent about completing a trade for Chris Paul that would cost them too many of their preferred assets, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. One source involved in the talks characterized the negotiations late Monday as "dead for now." The Clippers backed out of a possible deal with the New Orleans Hornets earlier Monday because they considered the demands of NBA officials – who are presiding over the Hornets' trade talks – too steep. Given permission by the Hornets to speak with Paul, Clippers officials had a recent phone conversation with the All-Star point guard in which he expressed excitement"
Sources: Officials push to renew Paul talks
December 13
ESPN.com
 
"There is renewed momentum to push through a trade that would send Chris Paul from the league-owned New Orleans Hornets to the Los Angeles Clippers, according to sources close to the process. After a seemingly imminent trade routing Paul to the Clippers collapsed earlier Monday, sources told ESPN.com that the league officials negotiating on the Hornets' behalf had aggressively re-engaged the Clippers in talks in hopes of completing a deal as soon as Tuesday. One source close to the process also told ESPN that league officials also definitely did not see talks with the Clippers as "over," since they rank as the Hornets' most natural trade partner given L.A.'s trade assets and how it ranks as"
Clippers back off Chris Paul trade, win rights to Chauncey Billups
December 13
Los Angeles Times
 
"The first big news the Clippers made Monday was when they pulled out of a proposed deal to acquire All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets. Then in the afternoon the Clippers won the waiver auction to get veteran point guard Chauncey Billups, and re-signed center DeAndre Jordan by matching the Golden State Warriors' four-year, $43.2-million contract offer. "I don't know if there's anybody on the planet that doesn't think they would need Chris Paul if they had an opportunity to acquire him," said Neil Olshey, the Clippers' vice president of basketball operations, who, along with Coach Vinny Del Negro and team President Andy Roeser, had been working on all three deals"
Sources: Clippers' deal for Chris Paul off
December 12
ESPN.com
 
"A seemingly imminent Chris Paul trade has collapsed for the second time in five days. Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that the league-owned New Orleans Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers could not complete their proposed Paul trade because the Clippers ultimately decided the NBA's asking price for the All-Star guard was too high. On Thursday, NBA commissioner David Stern vetoed a three-team trade agreement struck by the Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets to send Paul to the Lakers. At the NBA's direction, sources said, New Orleans was insisting upon the inclusion of both shooting guard Eric Gordon and Minnesota's unprotected 2012 first-round draft choice in"
Hornets' trade of Paul to Clippers is off
December 12
Yahoo! Sports
 
"The Los Angeles Clippers rejected NBA commissioner David Stern's steep demands to complete a trade for New Orleans Hornets All-Star guard Chris Paul, and talks of a blockbuster deal perished on Monday afternoon, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Sources didn't preclude the talks from re-starting again, but the Clippers weren't willing to meet the the NBA and Hornets demands for Paul, sources said."
Source: Clippers seek Chris Paul deal
December 12
ESPN.com
 
"The New Orleans Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers submitted a multiplayer blockbuster deal to the NBA on Sunday that would send All-Star point guard Chris Paul to Los Angeles, a source with knowledge of the discussions said Monday. But the trade as submitted has one hitch: The league, which owns the Hornets, wanted Eric Bledsoe, while the Clippers want to keep their point guard, the source said. The deal would be done if the league hadn't asked for Bledsoe, according to the source. The trade as submitted would cost the Clippers guard Eric Gordon, center Chris Kaman and forward Al-Farouq Aminu. It would also include Minnesota's first-round draft pick in 2012."
Pacers sign free agent power forward David West
December 12
Indianapolis Star
 
"The Indiana Pacers' patience during the first part of the free-agency period has paid off. David West, the Pacers' likely starting power forward, agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal Sunday afternoon. "David looks at the Pacers as a good young team with a lot of potential," said West's agent, Lance Young. "He feels his experience and leadership will help a team like the Pacers. He was excited Jeff Foster re-signed with them. He feels like Indiana is the best spot for him and his family.""
Clippers are close to deal for Chris Paul with Hornets
December 12
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Clippers and the New Orleans Hornets were working vigorously Sunday night to consummate a blockbuster deal that would send All-Star point guard Chris Paul to Los Angeles to play for the Lakers' cross-town rivals, said two people with knowledge of the situation who were not authorized to speak on the matter. The deal hasn't been completed, but both sides were in the closing stages of the negotiations. The Clippers would send the Hornets center Chris Kaman, backup second-year guard Eric Bledsoe, second-year forward Al-Farouq Aminu and the No. 1 draft pick they got from the Minnesota Timberwolves that is unprotected in the 2012 draft, considered to be one of the best in recent years."
Pacers ready to swoop in if Celtics can't land West
December 11
Yahoo! Sports
 
"As free-agent forward David West and the Boston Celtics work to complete a difficult sign-and-trade deal, the Indiana Pacers have positioned themselves to sign the power forward should talks with the Celtics flatline on Sunday, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Celtics have been discussing a four-year deal with West, sources said. Still, Boston is limited under sign-and-trade rules with how high it can go with an offer. The Celtics can offer the first three years in the $24 million to $25 million range, but the fourth year would likely not be fully guaranteed. Several sources believed there would be a resolution Sunday. Indiana has been discussing a two-year deal with West but with a"
New Orleans Hornets said to be trading David West to Boston Celtics
December 11
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"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"
Sources: Lakers out of Chris Paul talks
December 11
ESPN.com
 
"The Los Angeles Lakers abruptly withdrew from the Chris Paul sweepstakes Saturday night after more than 24 hours of unsuccessful attempts to restructure a three-team deal with the New Orleans Hornets and Houston Rockets that would meet with the approval of NBA commissioner David Stern, according to sources close to the process. The Lakers informed the league-owned Hornets and the Rockets they were pulling out of the stonewalled deal, sources said, and instead trading Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas is able to accommodate Odom's $8.9 million salary without surrendering any prized assets thanks to a new trade exception created through the Mavericks' three-team deal with New York"
Revised deal reached to send Paul to L.A.
December 10
CBSSports.com
 
"The Lakers, Hornets and Rockets reached agreement on the framework of a revised trade sending Chris Paul to the Lakers Saturday, pending the resolution of some moving parts and approval by the commissioner's office, multiple sources told CBSSports.com. Houston would still get Pau Gasol from the Lakers in the three-team swap, while the Rockets would send Luis Scola and Kevin Martin to the Hornets, as in the original version that was killed by commissioner David Stern in his role as final decision-maker on major personnel moves for the league-owned Hornets. It wasn't immediately clear how the Hornets were satisfying the league directive to acquire young players and valuable draft picks in"
Revised three-team trade involving Chris Paul reportedly has been submitted to the league office
December 10
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"New Orleans Hornets are part of a revised of three-team trade deal that involves Chris Paul still going to the Lakers has reportedly been re-submitted sent to the NBA office for approval. The deal is expected to include more draft picks and younger players than Thursday's trade that was blocked by NBA Commissioner David Stern that had Paul going to the Lakers and the Hornets acquiring guards Kevin Martin and Goran Dragic, forward Luis Scola and a first-round draft choice from the Houston Rockets as well as Lakers forward Lamar Odom. In addition, Houston would had acquired Pau Gasol. Hornets officials could not confirm Saturday if a new revised deal has been re-submitted to the league."
Chris Paul trade talks remain in full swing
December 10
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Well, that was awkward. A day after packing for Los Angeles, only to have his trade to the Lakers nixed by the NBA, New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul unexpectedly showed up for the first day of training camp Friday at the Alario Center. Still, it might have been just a cameo. Hornets General Manager Dell Demps said he is resuming trade discussions for his four-time All-Star and didn't rule out revisiting the Lakers and Houston in trying to consummate a deal that would get league approval. "Yes, people are still calling, and we're calling people,'' Demps said Friday. "So we're confident we can get a deal.'' Demps, though, didn't have a timetable on when a deal will be completed."
Source: Celtics close to deal with All-Star big man West
December 10
NBA.com
 
"A source briefed on discussions Friday evening said that the Boston Celtics are close to a deal with free agent power forward David West, who has been with the New Orleans Hornets since being drafted in 2003. West, 31, was expected to be one of the top free agents in this year's class, but he is coming off of a torn ACL suffered late last season in a game against Utah. West has diligently rehabbed his injury in North Carolina last summer, but teams have been slow to make significant offers to him."
Hornets, Lakers, Rockets resume Paul talks
December 9
Yahoo! Sports
 
"The New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers have resumed negotiations in an attempt to find a way to complete a blockbuster trade that would send Chris Paul to L.A., league sources told Yahoo! Sports. "All three teams are engaged," one source told Y! Sports. "Not sure if it will work." The resumption of talks comes less than 24 hours after the three teams agreed on a trade only to have NBA commissioner David Stern veto it. Stern released a statement on Friday saying he blocked the trade because the league-owned Hornets were "better served with Chris in a Hornets uniform than by the outcome of the terms of that trade.""
Sources: Teams appeal Chris Paul ruling
December 9
ESPN.com
 
"The three teams involved in the Chris Paul trade blocked Thursday by NBA commissioner David Stern are appealing to the league for Stern to reverse the decision, according to sources close to the process. There is no indication yet that Stern is prepared to reverse course after taking the dramatic step of blocking the league-owned New Orleans Hornets' decision to deal Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers."
Chris Paul trade to Los Angeles Lakers nixed by NBA
December 9
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"The Chris Paul era in New Orleans isn't over — yet. A proposed blockbuster three-team trade of the New Orleans Hornets' point guard involving the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets was nixed Thursday, according to league sources. Apparently, several owners in the league thought the deal was too beneficial for the Lakers, who would have paired Paul with Kobe Bryant. There was concern the Lakers, who have won two of the past three NBA championships, would get an unfair competitive advantage. NBA Commissioner David Stern apparently stepped in after hearing complaints from several owners attending the league's board of governors meeting Thursday in New York to ratify the new labor"
Stern kills Lakers' deal for Paul
December 8
Yahoo! Sports
 
"NBA commissioner David Stern has killed the New Orleans Hornets' trade of Chris Paul after several owners complained about the league-owned team dealing the All-Star point guard to the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Some owners pushed Stern to demand that trade be nullified, and the Hornets be made to keep Paul on the roster for the foreseeable future, sources said. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was one of the most vocal in a chorus of owners irate with the belief that the five-month lockout had happened largely to stop big-market teams from leveraging small-market teams for star players pending free agency. Before Stern intervened, the Lakers had reached an"
Lakers set to land Paul
December 8
Yahoo! Sports
 
"The Los Angeles Lakers are nearing an agreement to acquire All-Star point guard Chris Paul in a three-team trade that will cost them Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Lakers are finalizing the trade with the New Orleans Hornets and Houston Rockets. Under the terms of the deal, the Lakers would send Gasol to the Rockets. The Hornets would receive Odom, Rockets guards Kevin Martin and Goran Dragic and forward Luis Scola, league sources said."
Three-team trade discussed that would send Paul to Lakers
December 8
SI.com
 
"The Lakers, Hornets and Rockets are discussing a three-way trade that would send Chris Paul to L.A. and Pau Gasol to Houston, league sources told SI.com. New Orleans would receive Rockets swingman Kevin Martin and center Luis Scola. The Lakers have been in the hunt for Paul since the beginning, but L.A.'s refusal to include Andrew Bynum in any deal for Paul has prevented talks from advancing. The Lakers prefer to hold on to Bynum as the possible centerpiece of trade talks with Orlando for Dwight Howard. The Hornets are not interested in Gasol (who has three years and $57 million left on his deal), but in the last 48 hours they have put out feelers to try and gauge league-wide interest in"
Hornets considering trying to bring back popular guard Marcus Thornton
December 8
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Although former LSU guard Marcus Thornton's struggles' in Hornets Coach Monty Williams' system last season ultimately led to him being traded to Sacramento, New Orleans General Manager Dell Demps apparently is interested in giving Thornton another shot. Thornton's agent, Tony Dutt, said he has had discussions this week with Demps, along with four other teams, including the Kings. Thornton is a restricted free agent, and Sacramento can match any offer he receives. Free agents can sign contracts beginning Friday. The Hornets traded Thornton, a fan favorite, last February to acquire forward Carl Landry, who is a free agent."
Sources: Hornets cool on trade offers
December 8
ESPN.com
 
"The chances of a Chris Paul trade before NBA training camps finally open Friday appear to be dwindling after the pace of Paul trade talks slowed Wednesday, according to sources close to the situation. The Golden State Warriors have effectively withdrawn from the Paul sweepstakes by stressing to the Hornets that they simply won't include star guard Stephen Curry in any deal with New Orleans. And sources told ESPN.com that none of the other teams known to be Paul's most ardent suitors sufficiently sweetened their trade offers Wednesday, despite the fact that it's now an open secret around the league that the Hornets want to move Paul before the season starts Christmas Day, hoping to avoid a"
Celtics still pushing hard to land Chris Paul
December 8
Yahoo! Sports
 
"As the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors appear unwilling to include their young stars in a trade for Chris Paul(notes), the New Orleans Hornets were redoubling their research of Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo(notes) as a possible centerpiece of a blockbuster deal, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Celtics have relentlessly pursued Paul and have presented the Hornets with as many as eight different scenarios that would bring them some combination of Rondo, Jeff Green(notes), two future No. 1 picks and additional talent from third teams, sources said. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge and coach Doc Rivers believe they can sell Paul on re-signing with Boston for the"
Chris Paul wants no part of Celtics
December 8
Boston Herald
 
"Amid reports that New Orleans' discussions had cooled with the Clippers and Warriors over what each team was willing to trade for Chris Paul, the Celtics were in a holding pattern last night. Though the Celtics appear willing to trade Rajon Rondo [stats] and perhaps Glen Davis to the Hornets for Paul despite a sizable risk of losing the high-scoring point guard to free agency next summer, the gamble could make for a very brief attempt at the 18th title in franchise history. Though the combination of Paul, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen sounds intriguing, especially over the short span of a 66-game season, it still doesn't appeal to the 26-year-old star."
Talks slow, but California teams leading race for All-Star Paul
December 8
SI.com
 
"No decision has been made by New Orleans about where to send point guard Chris Paul, but a source with a good read on the talks puts the list of leaders for his services as such: the Lakers, Clippers and Warriors. There are other teams making a push, among them Dallas and Houston, but there are no indications that they're being seriously considered by Hornets general manager Dell Demps. But the situation doesn't begin and end with the Hornets' intentions, since Paul's perspective on where he might agree to stay long-term is a major factor. The Celtics, for example, have the assets (Rajon Rondo) and the incentive, but sources close to Paul says he has no interest in a long-term future in"
Lakers still in hunt to work deal for Hornets' Paul
December 7
NBA.com
 
"The Los Angeles Lakers are not out of the Chris Paul Sweepstakes. A league source involved in the discussions said late Tuesday night that the Lakers are still among the teams the New Orleans Hornets are having advanced discussions with on a potential trade of Paul, the four-time All-Star guard who is seeking a trade after spending his first six seasons in the Big Easy. The Lakers, Clippers, Warriors and Celtics currently have a leg up on other teams that are trying to acquire Paul. Yahoo! Sports had reported earlier Tuesday that the Clippers, Warriors and Celtics had the three best offers on the table for Paul. The Lakers' potential offer would send either center Andrew Bynum or forward"
Other destinations for CP3 trump NY
December 7
New York Post
 
"How many of you believe Danny Ainge's claim he has not been shopping Rajon Rondo or offered him for Chris Paul? How many believe a reporter fantasized the threesome involving the Celtics, Hornets and Pacers, whose $23 million in cap space make them a critically desirable partner? Well, according to one pretty piped-in informer, it was a done deal until CP3 Knixed it by refusing to sign an extension. A second source with intimate knowledge of the proposition took a long pause when asked about its validity before saying, "That's very interesting.""
New Orleans Hornets could trade Chris Paul soon as offers pour in
December 7
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 columnist John Reid
"The Chris Paul era in New Orleans could be ending as early as this weekend if Hornets General Manager Dell Demps can find adequate value in trading the four-time All-Star point guard. Sources said the Hornets have had preliminary trade discussions with the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, Mavericks, Celtics, Knicks and Magic. And even more teams could enter the Paul Sweepstakes before it's all over. The Hornets had been listening to offers since last week, but they are proceeding more intensely after Paul indicated in Monday's meeting with Demps he is not interested in signing a long-term extension to remain in New Orleans, sources said."