Chris Paul Trade Talks (update: New Clippers deal submitted)

[superb1]

It's certainly a tricky situation at best. I can't say that the questions of conflict of interest aren't valid because they are more than valid. I just think that the issue of losing a major attraction while adding on about $15-$20 million in salary are very valid reasons for a team owner to nix a trade. (Especially when you've got a group of 29 other guys footing that extra bill while also looking to sell it. That extra payroll doesn't exactly help.) It just so happens that the NBA owns this team, so yes, it looks bad. That's why I wish they'd put a hold on this until a new ownership group is in place for the Hornets. If that new group wants to do a deal like that, then so be it, it's that group's choice and not the league's (though, again, the league is the owner at the moment).

Now, I'm not naive enough to think that the NBA isn't sending a message here...driving a major talent away from a glamour team and almost making sure to not bow to the demands of said major talent. But the salary implications are a valid reason for nixing it to me, though there are much better ways to go about doing things than what the NBA is doing at the moment. That's where they need to clean it up.

WTF, I don't know where to start. I argued that the new CBA is basically crap before it did not really fix anything. They only compromise due to the thought of the money everyone would lose. I think it is Stern's way of getting back at the player's thru Paul and somewhat the big market owners. Basically the NBA is FUBAR. For you heads that don't know what this means. F@cked up beyond all recognition. The should have let the Lakers complete the trade. There was no way of really fixing the screwed up system now. The lockout is over, CBA signed and the holes in the systems remains. Now how are you going to really trade him and even Howard without trade proposals being scrutinized. The Hornets can't trade him now without the NBA involved or getting fair value. This shows the great gap created among superstars and regular players. JMHO.

[SWedd523]

I think you're forgetting the special situation the Hornets are in right now. As a league owned team, Stern is the de facto last word of all player moves. If Shinn was still the owner, that trade probably would have gone through. If the Magic (not league owned) want to trade Dwight for Diaw and Diop, then they don't have to appease Stern.

He's going to have to do what's financially viable for the franchise so they can sell them for the highest amount possible. The trade with the Lakers added a ton of long term salary for a team that isn't a long term contender. That extra money is something the other 29 owners (including MJ) are going to have to cover.


The most recent Clippers trade gets them pretty good value, but nobody (Gordon included) going to New Orleans is a guy that will keep the team value of dropping.


It's a strange situation for sure, and there really is't a win-win scenario.

[superb1]

Thanks, I understand their state and really did not mean to put the Magic in the Hornets situation. But I think what I'm saying is it is only a reflection of how the new CBA is helping or not helping any party in the NBA. It hurts Paul (basically aimed at other superstars) showing he will not hold a team hostage with demands and not honoring contracts. But who will be able to trade for Paul and not get criticized in the trade. Still a FUBAR situation the NBA is in

[Scottley Crue]

Thanks, I understand their state and really did not mean to put the Magic in the Hornets situation. But I think what I'm saying is it is only a reflection of how the new CBA is helping or not helping any party in the NBA. It hurts Paul (basically aimed at other superstars) showing he will not hold a team hostage with demands and not honoring contracts. But who will be able to trade for Paul and not get criticized in the trade. Still a FUBAR situation the NBA is in

I think this article from Jared Wade at the Hoopspeak blog sums up my thoughts about the league's responsibility/role in these trade talks.

http://hoopspeak.com/2011/12/david-s...e-right-thing/

[superb1]

I think this article from Jared Wade at the Hoopspeak blog sums up my thoughts about the league's responsibility/role in these trade talks.

http://hoopspeak.com/2011/12/david-s...e-right-thing/

it makes much better sense but for some reason it still stinks, I guess too much conflict of interest involved that can be brought up.

[SWedd523]

ESPNSteinLineMarc Stein
ESPN sources: Clippers and NBA-owned Hornets have agreed to Chris Paul deal in principle. Gordon, Kaman, Aminu and Minnesota pick to Hornets
47 seconds ago

[Chef]

ESPNSteinLineMarc Stein
ESPN sources: Clippers and NBA-owned Hornets have agreed to Chris Paul deal in principle. Gordon, Kaman, Aminu and Minnesota pick to Hornets
47 seconds ago

can't believe i am saying this, but i think gordon and the pick are too much. i would have forced league's hand and insisted on bledsoe, kaman, aminu and pick.

[ohara831]

Good for both teams. Glad it is done and over with.

[bing!]

It's gonna be so weird watching him as a Clip. Now, the Lakers fans are gonna throw a collective tantrum.

[adam187]

david stern played us all again. i guess holding out was the right decision.