NBA Trade Rumors: Stern and Hornets' Best Choice Is Chris Paul to LA Clippers

It's clear after the last week of trade proceedings involving New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul that NBA Commissioner David Stern should stick to his day job running the league instead of attempting to play deal maker for the NBA-ran Hornets.

Quite frankly, that's not saying a whole lot given Stern's lack of popularity at times.

But concerning the matter at hand, the potential trade involving Paul to the Clippers that could be back on, this is a deal he and the Hornets just need to get done.

For one, Stern keeps looking worse and worse in the situation and the fact that he's asking a kings ransom in return for the All-Star point guard is one thing, but not knowing a good deal when he sees one is something different all together.

The Clippers possibly are making the best offer that the Hornets will get for Paul and Stern needs to make the deal happen.

The fact that the Clippers were asked to part with their top five trade chips in Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu, Eric Bledsoe and Minnesota's unprotected 2012 first-round draft pick seems like a bit much for Paul. If the Clippers were also asked to throw in an extra first-round pick as well, then it's an attempt at larceny.

Next, the options of where to deal Paul are limited due to which teams he will sign an extension with. He's has a willing trade partner with the Clippers and must realize it. How many teams will be willing to part with the amount of talent that Stern is requesting the Hornets get for Paul? There won't be many.

Finally, look at what he could get for New Orleans.

Gordon and Minnesota's unprotected first-round pick are huge returns. Plus throw in Kaman's expiring contract gives the Hornets financial flexibility going forward. Throw in a good young talent such as Aminu and the Hornets make out very well even without Bledsoe and the extra pick in the deal.

That's more than likely the best offer he's going to see in exchange for Paul. To save a little face on the situation Stern needs to ship Paul to Los Angeles and do so soon.

Otherwise the situation will continue to drag out and Stern will continue to look worse by the day.