Chris Paul Isn't Going to the Clippers Because the NBA-Owned Hornets Wanted Too Much
By Jason McIntyre
Less than 96 hours later, Chris Paul was thought to be going to Los Angeles again … but this time, to the Clippers.
Except that’s not happening, either.
The Hornets were supposedly going to get what we mentioned last week: cheap, young players Eric Bledsoe and Al-farouq Aminu, Chris Kaman’s expiring contract, and the rights to Minnesota’s 1st round draft pick in 2012 (which, depending on how you feel about the Timberwolves, could be a Top 5 pick or closer to 15).
David Stern and his cronies must be drunk with power, because they apparently wanted the Clippers to throw in 22-year-old, 22-point-a-night scorer Eric Gordon. The Clippers, according to various internet reports, said the Hornets could have Gordon or the pick. Here’s the problem with Stern’s logic: They’re not negotiating from a position of power. CP3 only appears willing to go to a handful of teams. And the offers will only get worse from here. Do they think a better deal pops up before February? How unattractive is this franchise to potential buyers after it gets zero in return for Chris Paul?
The draft pick instead of Gordon would have been a major coup for the Hornets. Best case scenario? They flip Chris Kaman at the deadline, Bledsoe improves like everyone thought he would, and Aminu plays like he was a No. 8 pick in the draft. So what if they only go 15-51? They’ll get a high draft pick, plus Minnesota’s. As we’ve noted, the draft is loaded. How improved is New Orleans if it falls into Thomas Robinson of Kansas and Austin Rivers of Duke? A Bledsoe/Rivers backcourt is explosive. An Aminu/Robinson/Okafor backcourt has potential.
Would it have been wise to take Gordon instead of the pick? Sure, but then does Chris Paul want to sign an extension in LA if he’s only got Blake Griffin as a wingman? Probably not.
Previously: Chris Paul is Going to the Lakers For Andrew Bynum Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom [UPDATE]
Previously: Chris Paul Trade Fallout: Which Offer Was Better – the Lakers/Rockets, or the Clippers?
Previously: The NBA Owners Are Trying to Kill the Chris Paul-to-the-Lakers Trade [UPDATE: The Owners Killed It]