NBA Trade Rumors: Will Sale of Hornets Make Chris Paul Trade Bait?
The New Orleans Hornets are a franchise in a tough spot—one looking for a buyer.
Earlier this year, businessman Gary Chouest has planned on purchasing the team, taking over George Shinn's share of the team. However, the deal has now fallen through.
As Chouest's deal did not work out and Shinn isn't in a position to run the team financially, the NBA on Monday announced its intention to step in and buy the franchise while shopping it around.
What does this mean for the Hornets, and more specifically, what does this mean for Chris Paul, who, before the deal fell through, was considered a major trading piece?
What It Means For The NBA
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The NBA is naturally going to make the franchise the most appealing it can to potential buyers.
As a result, by having the franchise, even temporarily, this creates a problem in any Chris Paul deal.
A New Orleans Hornets franchise with Chris Paul is much more appealing to buyers, even if they know he's going to leave, than a New Orleans Hornets franchise without him.
Besides that, it also likely means that we will see this franchise again moved. If anyone is willing to step up and buy it, knowing that there could be a work stoppage next year, then they certainly can.
What It Means For New Orleans
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The Saints will suddenly get a lot more fans.
In other words, the franchise is most likely gone.
The attendance needs to hit a certain level for the NBA to want to keep the franchise here. Right now, the team is 24th in attendance despite a winning record, which just adds more fuel to any city that would love to have an NBA team.
What It Means For Seattle
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Seattle never wanted the Sonics team to leave, and there was much opposition to it. Besides that, the Seattle SuperSonics have the same clause the Cleveland Browns did when their team was moved: the records, history, logo, etc. are all available if a team moves to Seattle.
Could this buyout mean that this team returns?
Maybe, maybe not. The problems that caused the move in the first place still exist and those would have to be fixed first.
What It Means For Chris Paul
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This is the big question that stems from the NBA's acquisition of the Hornets.
Chris Paul may want a trade, but they might trade to keep the franchise as whole as possible, preventing any trade of Paul. However, they could just as easily take a hands off approach to the team, and if a trade does happen, they could just let it happen.
Chris Paul wasn't happy with Shinn's ownership, which was one of his reasons for a trade. Since he's now out as owner either way, that could help convince him to stay on the team.
Nonetheless, if Paul is unsure about the future of this franchise, then that only gives him more ammo to leave.
What It Means For The Other Teams
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It means that if they want Chris Paul on their roster, now's the best change they're going to get.
I remain fairly convinced after reading over everything that the buyout means he's staying in New Orleans. That being said, let's say this doesn't happen—who are the teams that would most want to land Paul?
New York Knicks
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The Knicks were thrown around as a possibility a lot early on, since Chris Paul had an interest in playing with Amar'e Stoudemire in Madison Square Garden. Stoudemire and Paul would no doubt be a dynamic duo as the Knicks are finally starting to look like the Knicks of old.
With the emergence of Raymond Felton as a great point guard though, they seem to need Paul a lot less than they may have to begin the season.
Orlando Magic
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The Magic would love to have someone like Paul to work with Dwight Howard, perhaps much like the Penny-Shaq duo of old.
While they would be willing to give up plenty, the Hornets may end up asking for too much. Besides that, the Magic have one of the best records in the East, and they know not to make a move that could mess with that.
Conclusion
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Because of the NBA's acquisition of the Hornets, I would be shocked if Chris Paul was traded to any team.
Any window for that happening has now been closed by David Stern, not to reopen until a buyer is found.
