NBA News & Rumors: Ranking the Top Five Potential Suitors for Chris Paul in 2011
NBA News and Rumors: Which teams are in the hunt for Chris Paul's services?
Let's face facts: The new trend in the NBA is for young superstar talent to bid farewell to their initial teams, and move to a massive market where notoriety doesn't shy away from the limelight.
A regular season where superstar personalities agree to team up for the greater good of winning basketball games, the 2010-2011 season has had it's fair share of truth and rumors surrounding even the most boisterous of individuals.
For Chris Paul, things are about to get a whole lot more interesting.
His current contract may not be completely finalized; however speculation around the league suggests that Paul will be zealous on his path towards reaching the promise land. And if the Hornets aren't the answer to the equation, then someone's got to be willing to give him a chance, right?
Right.
Here are the top five most feasible destinations for the Hornets' star-studded point guard as the offseason draws nearer.
5. Orlando Magic
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This may seem a bit far-fetched to an extent, however it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility.
Yes, Jameer Nelson and Chris Paul on the same team could spell trouble for the two everlasting egos, but you have to think Stan Van Gundy would bring the two together.
With Dwight Howard trade rumors circling, now is the perfect time for Orlando's front office to show Howard that they are committed to winning with superstar talent on the court.
Odds: 200:1
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
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It's certainly a stretch, but could you imagine a Durant-Paul-Westbrook combination? That's something even the Miami Heat don't want to mess with.
Of course, to obtain a talent like that of Paul, you'll need to distribute some talent somewhere down the line, and Westbrook may potentially be that piece that Oklahoma City would need to give up.
Westbrook is as solid as any point guard in the NBA, but Paul remains as one of the game's most prolific superstars since his entrance into the league back in 2005.
Odds: 100:1
3. Dallas Mavericks
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With Jason Kidd aging with every day passing by, Mark Cuban will be continuously on the prowl for young superstar talent to bolster his team's declining roster, and Paul would certainly fit that position.
However despite their increasing age, the Mavericks do maintain more than enough pieces to deal away for Paul's services. Jason Kidd, Tyson Chandler, Caron Butler and Shawn Marion could each become a portion of a deal that would send Paul to Dallas.
Don't disregard the thought.
Odds: 50:1
2. New Orleans Hornets
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Staying put never hurt anybody.
Paul has become the center-point of basketball in New Orleans since his rookie season back in 2005, and will be continuously burdened by Hornets fans regarding his possible departure out of Louisiana to New York, much like that of LeBron James, if you can recall.
However, there probably won't be a television special entitled "The Decision: Chris Paul" any time soon.
Nevertheless, there are more than enough reasons for Paul to stay where he is. The deciding factor will be what any interested team is willing to pay him once his contract is up.
Things are about to get interesting...
Odds: 25:1
1. New York Knicks
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I'm sure you expected this.
It began for the Knicks last summer in acquiring Amar'e Stoudemire from the Suns, and continued into this season in trading for Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups.
Nevertheless, the next "big three" in the NBA will surely consist of Stoudemire, Anthony and Paul.
The Knicks will continue to pursue Paul throughout the offseason, and possibly into next season if a deal doesn't get done by the beginning of the 2011-2012 season.
Rest assured, this deal will more than likely happen sooner than later.
Odds: 10:1
