Chris Paul Trade Rumors: Hornets Must Resist Pressure to Trade Star Point Guard

Everyone is obsessed with losing a star player for "nothing." As I take my usual "pro-player" hat off and replace it with my GM hat, I say let him leave.

If he doesn't want to play there, he won't do your franchise much good. Ask the Raptors how fruitful the last two years of the Vince Carter era was.

Chris Paul has an opt-out option at the end of this next season and, if he chooses to use it, he will leave over $17 million on the table of guaranteed money from the New Orleans Hornets.

This is his prerogative, and his right to do if he thinks that is what is best for him. 

As a organization, the Hornets must do what they feel is in their best interest, which is never a problem when it comes to sports franchises in general. Amidst the fan and media pressure to take the best possible deal for CP3, who seems destined to exercise the opt out clause, the Hornets are fielding offers.

This is something they should do, but they shouldn't simply select the best offer available. They should only trade their star if they believe the players they get in return makes them a better team.

Isn't that why teams are supposed to make trades? Teams should not make deals to salvage what is left from the wreckage after a star's exit. That is something that, in some instances, can't be controlled nor should it be.

Owning an NBA franchise is a business of investments, like any other business. Sometimes they work out, sometimes they don't.

When they don't, you cut your losses, move on and try to rebound and improve.

If I were the Hornets, I would much rather have an opportunity to use my newly-found cap space as I please, as oppose to have it filled with semi-talented to talented castoffs.

If there is a combination of players available that make the team feel like, "Wow, this could be special," then go for it, but that is unlikely.

The Hornets are better off playing out the string with Paul, making him pull the trigger and opt out. New Orleans could very well miss the playoffs and that would render a decent selection in this potentially exciting 2012 NBA Draft.

Then, they can use the salary slots available on players they want to sign, even if that means they have to sign short-term deals to spend the required percentage of the cap as per new CBA rules.

Just as it is Paul's right to pick his destination, it is the Hornets' right as a franchise to choose its players. Lately, it seems teams have forgotten that, especially in the small markets where fear rules the day.