Chris Paul open to trade to Contender.

[Dirkenstien]

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/pos...l-pursuing-cp3

By: Chad Ford

Last week, Chris Paul trade talk hit a frenzy before the Hornets went public and stated they had no intention of trading their star point guard.

This week, a league source told me that the Blazers actually made some progress toward landing Paul.

According to the source, the Blazers got close to a deal with the Hornets last week that would’ve sent Andre Miller, Joel Przybilla, Nicolas Batum, Jerryd Bayless and the 22nd pick to New Orelans for Paul and Emeka Okafor before Hornets GM Jeff Bower pulled out of the deal claiming that their owner wasn’t ready to trade Paul.

The Hornets no longer need to trade Paul for financial reasons. The trade they made on draft night with the Oklahoma City Thunder got them out of the luxury tax, so that’s no longer the issue.

The issue is whether Paul is now unhappy enough to force a trade. The Blazers believe he is and will continue to pursue a Paul deal. They won't be alone.

The Magic also have been pursuing Paul and Okafor, offering expiring contracts and Jameer Nelson. And there are two other teams that could offer the Hornets even more.

Both the Knicks and Nets are planning to step up pressure on the Hornets if they don't land LeBron. Both teams have tons of cap space and can offer massive cap relief to the Hornets (to the tune of $100 million) if they take Paul and Okafor off their hands. The Knicks could also offer Danilo Gallinari. The Nets could offer Derrick Favors and Devin Harris.

Holy cow. We need to get back on the phone with New Orleans ASAP ... especially with Paul now saying he wants out.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by Dirkenstien

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/pos...l-pursuing-cp3




Holy cow. We need to get back on the phone with New Orleans ASAP ... especially with Paul now saying he wants out.

Damp, Roddy, Dojo and two first round picks for Paul and Okafor. Done. I don't even know if it works and I don't care at this point.

Gosh that would be fantastic.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by jthig32

Damp, Roddy, Dojo and two first round picks for Paul and Okafor. Done. I don't even know if it works and I don't care at this point.

Gosh that would be fantastic.

I'd do that in a heartbeat...

As far as I'm concerned, Paul is the biggest available talent behind LeBron and Wade (better than Joe Johnson, anyway...)

[Dirkenstien]

Originally Posted by Underdog

I'd do that in a heartbeat...

As far as I'm concerned, Paul is the biggest available talent behind LeBron and Wade (better than Joe Johnson, anyway...)

Yep it's a no brainer. (Crosses fingers)

[grndmstr_c]

Originally Posted by jthig32

Damp, Roddy, Dojo and two first round picks for Paul and Okafor. Done. I don't even know if it works and I don't care at this point.

Gosh that would be fantastic.

Add some salary-filler like Stevenson/Carroll/Najera to satisfy the CBA, then get on the phone with Ray Allen and try to convince him to take the MLE.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

Add some salary-filler like Stevenson/Carroll/Najera to satisfy the CBA, then get on the phone with Ray Allen and try to convince him to take the MLE.

Hell you could play Kidd at SG for all I care. Certainly he would for stretches.

And you still have Butler to keep or trade.

My head is swimming right now. Why can't this happen?

[grndmstr_c]

Originally Posted by jthig32

My head is swimming right now. Why can't this happen?

Because we're going to get LeBron. Only possible explanation.

[sike]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

Because we're going to get LeBron. Only possible explanation.

This is obviously your greatest post ever.