NBA Trade Rumors: Why Hornets Must Move Chris Paul to Clippers

The Clippers have emerged as a frontrunner for Chris Paul, and the Hornets would be wise to send their all-star point guard to L.A.

The NBA has already shown that they will block a trade that doesn't send youthful talent and valuable draft picks to New Orleans.

Few teams have the assets to satisfy the NBA. The Clippers are one of them.

If they're smart, New Orleans will make a deal with L.A.'s other team.

Young Talent

The NBA blocked the three-team deal between the Hornets, Lakers and Rockets because they weren't satisfied with the young talent being sent New Orleans' way.

I doubt they would have a similar issues with the Clippers.

If the deal goes down, Eric Bledsoe will definitely be heading to the Hornets. The Kentucky product was solid in his rookie season, putting up good numbers despite limited playing time.

He averaged 6.7 points, 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in just over 20 minutes per game.

The stats aren't mind-boggling, but that's quality production. He also made the All-Rookie second team and could be New Orleans' point guard of the future.

Small forward Al-Farouq Aminu would also be headed to the Hornets.

He didn't put up great numbers his rookie season, but his length and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect. There's a reason that he was the eighth overall pick in 2010.

The Hornets will also be asking for Eric Gordon, but I doubt the Clippers will part ways with their exceptionally talented young 2-guard.

Chris Kaman's Expiring Contract

The Clippers plan to re-sign DeAndre Jordan, which means Kaman is definitely on his way out of town.

He is a pretty attractive asset given his past production and contract situation.

He's in the last year of his deal, meaning his $11.8 million will be coming off the books this summer. That would give New Orleans some financial flexibility to add pieces in the 2012 offseason.

Kaman would also give the Hornets a viable post presence this season. He was hampered by injuries last year, but put up 12.4 points and seven rebounds per game when he was on the court.

Minnesota's 2012 Draft Pick

Other than getting Eric Gordon, or Stephen Curry from Golden State, the most valuable asset New Orleans can acquire is Minnesota's unprotected 2012 first round pick.

The Timberwolves have won less than 25 games the last four seasons and likely won't make a drastic improvement this year. That means this will probably be a high lottery pick in a stacked draft class.

The 2012 draft class will be absolutely loaded. Prospects that may declare include Anthony Davis, Harrison Barnes, Andre Drummond, Jared Sullinger and Perry Jones.

All have franchise-player potential, and there's at least 10 prospects that look like future all-stars.

The pick is incredibly valuable, and ESPN's Ric Bucher tweeted that the Clippers won't give it up unless Paul commits to them long term.

But if they can get a guarantee that Paul will re-sign with L.A., the Hornets need to pull the trigger.

They're not going to get a better package of young talent, cap flexibility and draft picks.