NBA Trade Speculation: Breaking Down Possible Chris Paul Trade Scenarios

Chris Paul's name has been the talk of trade rumors and the possible destinations keep coming up. From Los Angeles to New York to Boston, Chris Paul is the talk of basketball fans.

Fans have their fingers crossed, hoping Paul ends up on their favorite team.

The multiple locations have yet to produce a clear-cut favorite to land CP3. Read on for a detailed look at several trade scenarios for teams Chris Paul could be going to and the likelihood he goes to each team.

Los Angeles Lakers

Trade Scenario #1

Lakers receive: Chris Paul

Hornets receive: Lamar Odom, Metta World Peace (How weird is it saying that?), Steve Blake, Darius Morris and two first-rounders

Analysis:

Basically, the Lakers give up Lamar Odom and two first-rounders to get the NBA's best point guard. Seems too good to be true, which is exactly why this isn't going to happen. The Hornets are willing to listen to offers but they want a big deal in return for Paul.

Trade Scenario #2

Lakers Receive: Chris Paul, David Andersen

Hornets Receive: Pau Gasol, Steve Blake, Derrick Caracter, Darius Morris, a 2012 first-rounder and a 2012 second-rounder

Analysis:

This deal is a little better for the Hornets than the previous deal. It gives New Orleans a replacement for David West, some quality young players for the future and a couple draft picks. While this is much more enticing for the Hornets, it still is not up to par with what other teams could offer.

Boston Celtics

Trade Scenario #1

Celtics receive: Chris Paul, two second-rounders

Hornets receive: Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, JaJuan Johnson, $2 million cash and a 2012 first-rounder

Analysis:

The Celtics get their centerpiece for the future while the Hornets get Chris Paul's replacement in Rajon Rondo, a couple young players and a first-round pick to help them rebuild.

This is a great deal for the Hornets, but rumor has it the Hornets aren't content with just this.

Also, the talk is that Chris Paul won't sign an extension with Boston, basically killing any likelihood of Paul to Boston.

Los Angeles Clippers

Trade Scenario #1

Clippers receive: Chris Paul, David Andersen and a 2013 second-rounder

Hornets receive: Mo Williams, Chris Kaman, Eric Bledsoe, Travis Leslie and two first-rounders

Analysis:

The Hornets get a couple decent players, but this deal is simply not enough to land Chris Paul. It provides immediate help but Williams and Kaman would likely be gone when their contracts expire.

The intriguing part of this deal is the two first-rounders New Orleans would get, since they would probably be two lottery picks.

Trade Scenario #2

Clippers receive: Chris Paul

Hornets receive: Mo Williams, Eric Gordon, Trey Thompkins, 2012 first-rounder and 2012 second-rounder

Analysis:

This deal is more rewarding for the Hornets, but comes with some risk too. Eric Gordon's contract expires after this season and he could be headed out of New Orleans.

If there is any way the team could sign Gordon to an immediate extension, this deal would seem more plausible.

New York Knicks

Trade Scenario #1

Knicks receive: Chris Paul and a 2012 second-rounder

Hornets receive: Chauncey Billups, Toney Douglas, Andy Rautins, Iman Shumpert, a first-rounder and two second-rounders

Analysis:

The Knicks have been known to gut the majority of a roster for one player and this is another instance of that. The Hornets get a point guard for next year (Billups), three young players and three draft picks to rebuild.

This isn't an overwhelming deal, but the fact the Hornets rarely play the Knicks aides the likelihood of this deal.

Trade Scenario #2

Knicks receive: Chris Paul and a 2012 second-rounder

Hornets receive: Chauncey Billups, Landry Fields, Toney Douglas, two first-rounders and a 2013 second-rounder

Analysis:

The Hornets get a much better haul in this package and would definitely have to strongly consider this offer. Fields and Douglas are two up-and-coming players who don't have star potential, but should be solid players for years to come.

The biggest thing in this deal for the Hornets is getting draft picks.

Likelihood of Chris Paul Landing in Each Destination

Likelihood of Chris Paul Landing in each destination

Los Angeles Lakers: 25%

Boston Celtics: 5%

Los Angeles Clippers: 10%

New York Knicks: 60%

Analysis

Ever since his infamous wedding toast, rumors have run wild over where Chris Paul will end up and if it will indeed be the New York Knicks. I believe Paul will fulfill his wishes and join the New York Knicks, either by trade or free agency.

While the Lakers, Clippers and Celtics are all enticing destinations, there is no bigger stage than Madison Square Garden and Chris Paul will end up a New York Knick.