Chris Paul

[shrink]

Rumors are flying that New Orleans might gut the roster this summer and that, as crazy as this sounds, Chris Paul could be had if you can save them a boatload of money in the process. For instance, let's say they were offered the following "Godfather" package from Houston: T-Mac's expiring deal and Brent Barry's expiring deal ($24 million combined), Aaron Brooks, Carl Landry, Shane Battier and Luis Scola for Paul, Peja Stojakovic, James Posey and Tyson Chandler. That trade works even before Paul's extension kicks in, meaning it would save New Orleans $10 million next season and $4 million to $5 million more if they bought out T-Mac. Over the next three years, it saves them $45 million to $50 million potentially, keeps the team afloat in New Orleans, and might even keep them decent with the right moves. Wouldn't that make more sense than gutting the franchise like a fish (which they will), saddling Paul with a terrible team and eventually pushing him to demand a trade? I can't see any scenario in which Chris Paul is a happy New Orleans Hornet in two years. Which means he'll find a better team. Sorry, N'Awlins.

MIN could make just as good an offer. We have the boat load of money, we wouldn't plunge ourselves into financial ruin like HOU, and Chris Paul would fit perfectly here.

NOH GETS: Foye + Gomes + Miller + C Smith + Cardinal + Madsen + $7.1 mil TPE .. maybe a pick

MIN GETS: Paul + Chandler + Peja + Posey


NOH trades some unreasonably priced players for some reasonable contracts. The $7.1 mil TPE is worth $16 mil in cash to NO, and is looking better financially in 2010. NOH has roster spots to fill so a 4-for-6 works.

We'd start their four guys and Al (+ Love if Chandler can't go.) Brewer learns from Posey. We use the MLE this year and next. Chris Paul grows next to Al Jefferson.



Just throwing ideas around.

[revprodeji]

Best part is we have the future Utah and even pekovic to throw in for additional value that does not harm their cap this year.

[Basti]

I think IF N'Awlins is really shoppin Paul (which I really doubt) every offer should contain Love at the very least and/or #6 pick this year.

take out Foye instead then and you might have a decent offer

[funkatron101]

I would welcome almost any deal that pairs Paul with Al and doesn't cripple us financially.

[Esohny]

I agree. I'd be elated with a trade that would give us Paul without sending Jefferson and doesn't completely tie our hands financially; if anyone can figure that out, they should immediately replace Kahn.

[Jonathan Watters]

I doubt New Orleans would even consider trading Chris Paul for the #1 pick in the draft. That's how unlikely it is that Paul gets traded...

[Jonathan Watters]

I would welcome almost any deal that pairs Paul with Al and doesn't cripple us financially.

[funkatron101]

I doubt New Orleans would even consider trading Chris Paul for the #1 pick in the draft. That's how unlikely it is that Paul gets traded...

Straight up? Of course not, don't be silly.

[Jonathan Watters]

Not for the #1 pick and expirings to make up the salary difference. No combination of Wolves players or picks. It will never happen.

Chris Paul types aren't traded for cap space. Simply doesn't happen.

[deeney0]

Any deal that nets this team Paul is a yes. Al+Love+6? Get it done. But NO wouldn't want that, wouldn't want the deals above... Waters is right.

[Klomp]

NOH GETS: Foye + Gomes + Miller + C Smith + Cardinal + Madsen + $7.1 mil TPE .. maybe a pick

MIN GETS: Paul + Chandler + Peja + Posey

Two things:

1. Ryan Gomes is BYC
2. Chris Paul is PPP

Both make figuring a deal difficult, especially when both players are involved.

[TheFranchise21]

shrink, one franchise player, 2 starters and huge role player (Posey) for 3 borderline starters and cap fillers?

[dunkonu21]

Deeney that is the dumbest thing Ive ever read that you have said.


Paul is not even close to as valuable as Al, Love and #6. I'm pretty much offended by that thought. Talk to the hand.

[Mayoistooslow]

In the past, star players not yet in their prime don't get traded for cap space. Times like these, it seems much more likely.

[mandurugo]

If New Orleans is reduced to making such lopsided trades for financial reasons they should just disband the franchise.

[shrink]

shrink, one franchise player, 2 starters and huge role player (Posey) for 3 borderline starters and cap fillers?

... and like $80 mil. Or if you like, one franchise player, and three very overpaid players with serious risks of injury.

Look, I don't know if Bill Simmons is serious here about NOH needing money so bad that the franchise risks closing. I've heard some pretty bad things, but not this bad. The Hornets market is the same size as OKC, btw, and they weren't making money even with a contender.

My point is that MIN is far more likely to be able to swallow the $80 mil (I haven't added it, to be honest) than a team like HOU.

[Calinks]

Something like this is extremely stupid to me. An NBA team hopes to have an ELITE franchise player they can build around. Chris Paul is that guy. Why the hell would you want to trade him away to get cap? Al if you are going to do with that money is buy an elite player or draft one and give him a comparable contract. Why trade away what you will be looking for? If you can't afford to hang on to players like Chris Paul, then why are you in the NBA in the first place?

[Jonathan Watters]

Yep. Chris Paul isn't the problem. Chris Paul is the only thing the Hornets franchise has going for it, perhaps the only money-making commodity the franchise has. There's no way they trade him to "save" money, when it would actually end up costing them money. Peja, sure. Paul? No way...

[casey]

shrink, one franchise player, 2 starters and huge role player (Posey) for 3 borderline starters and cap fillers?

Should rearrange that:

one franchise player, 2 starters and huge role player (Posey) for 3 borderline starters and cap fillers? shrink.

[Calinks]

Casey has your shirt always said wolves on it or is that a new development? I hadn't noticed it until recently.