Chris Paul Trade Rumors: Clippers' Eric Gordon vs. 2012 NBA Draft Lottery Pick

The Los Angeles Clippers are engaged in Chris Paul negotiations, and have reportedly told the New Orleans Hornets they must choose between the budding Eric Gordon or the Minnesota Timberwolves' 2012 unprotected first-round pick.

While the NBA-owned Hornets will likely attempt to include both, it is doubtful the Clippers agree to do so unless Paul agrees to sign an extension. Such a guarantee is not going to happen, which means New Orleans may be forced to choose.

If that's the case, then which option do the Hornets go with?

The 2012 NBA draft is expected to be laden with talent. Given how utterly confused the Timberwolves are, it is likely they wind up with a coveted lottery pick.

By possessing the Timberwolves' first-round pick, the Hornets then have an even stronger chance of being able to land players like Anthony Davis or Andre Drummond. If it's a perimeter player the team craves to fill the void left by Paul, they could always go with Harrison Barnes or Bradley Beal, too.

New Orleans wants high-quality young talent, and that is exactly what this summer's draft provides. That being said, possessing Minnesota's pick is not without risk.

What if the Timberwolves play themselves out of the lottery? The Hornets would kick themselves for opting to take on the draft pick instead of Gordon.

Is Minnesota likely to play themselves out the lottery? No, but the risk is always there.

Gordon, on the other hand, presents far less of a risk. The 22-year-old averaged 22.3 points and 4.4 assists per game last season. He can play both guard positions and is a lights-out three-point shooter.

Without Paul, there is a gaping hole in the Hornets backcourt. Gordon helps fill such a void, while giving fans a reason to buy tickets as well.

And if that isn't enough, there is always the fact that Gordon is of tangible value to New Orleans. The Hornets have no idea what that draft pick may become, yet they know they are getting a future star in Gordon.

Will Gordon be able to carry the Hornets all the way to the postseason? No, but he gives them someone to start building around immediately.

That draft pick may seem tempting, and the Clippers may even push the Hornets to take it over Gordon, but at the end of the day, there is enough uncertainty surrounding the New Orleans organization already.

Should David Stern still have an inkling to demonstrate his veto power, he should use it to prevent the Hornets from taking the first-round draft pick over the continuously improving Gordon.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.