NBA Trade Rumors: David Stern Called a Liar After Failed Chris Paul Trade

NBA commissioner David Stern has been heavily criticized this offseason, whether it be during the lockout or in the midst of Chris Paul trade talks.

Now he's being called a liar.

According to The Houston Chronicle, "a person with direct knowledge" of the Chris Paul trade talks involving the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets has said that Stern's claim that there was never a done deal was "an outright lie."

Stern said after the failed three-team trade that he was only "generally informed about the discussions with teams."

However, multiple sources reportedly said that Hornets general manager Dell Demps assured all parties concerned that Stern and NBA officials had seen the details of the deal and signed off on it.

After Stern's explanation of the failed trade, one source said, via the Chronicle:

"

That's an outright lie. Dell said the deal was done.

The way David was acting, you can tell he didn't want to talk to anybody. He was playing general manager.

"

The end result, of course, allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to land Paul instead. Meanwhile, the Rockets and Lakers were left out of the mix.

If true, it paints Stern in an even uglier light. He's already been called a dictator throughout the league. If he's actually lying to deceive the league and its fans, it marks a far greater problem for the NBA.

The new collective bargaining agreement stemming from the lockout was supposed to bring the league together.

However, in the end, it appears one man has all the power, and everyone under his umbrella are mere puppets.