Chris Paul to Clippers: Why Hornets Win Big By Scoring Eric Gordon in Trade

Los Angeles Lakers fans may be upset that Chris Paul is heading to the crosstown rival Clippers, but in the end it was by far the best deal on the table.

What separates the Clippers' offer from that of the Lakers, or any other team, is very simple.

Eric Gordon.

The New Orleans Hornets got it all here. They got a decent young player in Al-Farouq Aminu. They got even more cap relief with the expiring deal of Chris Kaman. They got an unprotected first-round pick which is likely going to be a lottery pick.

Gordon is only 22 years old and is one of the 10 best players currently in the NBA under the age of 25.

What the Hornets get in Gordon is a young franchise-type guy that they can build around. He's not there yet, but he's close.

Gordon is a gifted scorer who's coming off his best season as a pro in which he averaged 22.3 points per game.

In acquiring Gordon, the Hornets get a guy with the complete package offensively. He's powerful and has a quick first step, gets to the free-throw line, can get to the rim with ease and has a good jumper—all of which makes him a tough cover for most guards in the league.

When dealing a talent like Paul, you have to get great young talent in return. and just three years into the league, Gordon is one of the fastest rising stars in the NBA.

Putting him in a New Orleans uniform alone means the Hornets did very well with this deal.