Following his Monday meeting, Chris Paul and the Hornets released a statement saying things went well. Everyone kind of rolled their eyes and didn't think much of it because that's what players and PR people do. Ken Berger told us exactly that very thing shortly after the meeting went down.
But according to one report, Dell Demps must've made a nice impression.
An article from the Times-Picayune says after hearing Demps' plan for retooling the roster, Paul is "on board with the team's direction and will not seek to force a trade."
Demps must have one heck of a plan then. In the article it gives a hint on the direction:
Demps said they plan to put the necessary pieces around Paul by coming up with creative ways to make trades. Sources said Paul is confident Demps will be able to make the necessary moves on a roster that has remained stagnant during free agency. Backup center Aaron Gray remains the Hornets' only signee this offseason.What necessary moves? Sign Shaq? Go after Tracy McGrady? I don't get it. He obviously must mean wait for the trade deadline or next offseason, because pickings are slim right now.
But not so fast there. Berger continues to hear differently on Paul's intentions from his sources. He sends along this info:
While Demps may have bought the organization some time to deal with the Paul dilemma, a person with knowledge of the point guard's strategy said Thursday his desire to be traded before the start of the season did not diminish based on Monday's 90-minute meeting. Both sides agreed to stay quiet about what was discussed in the meeting, but the person familiar with Paul's situation said his camp "wants him moved" before the season starts. But with no games until November, Paul's operatives are willing to give the Hornets' new decision-making team "air to breathe to work on it," the person said.So this isn't over quite yet. In fact, it might just now be getting good.
The NBA's memo Tuesday warning teams of stiff penalties if they tamper with Paul means that Paul's new agent, Leon Rose, ultimately will need the Hornets' cooperation to broker a deal. With two years left on Paul's contract before he can opt out, the extent to which Demps is willing to engage in serious trade talks will be the next shoe to drop in the Summer of CP3 saga.
The Times-Picayune story says the Hornets won't listen to any offers for Paul. Also mentioned is this quote: "Chris never said anything about a trade, '' a source close to Paul said. "All he said is that he wants to win. He does so much in the community. He hasn't built those courts around (town) for nothing. Of course, he wants to be here.''
Which I find odd because Paul publicly said he'd be open to a trade if the right situation presented itself. This sounds like positive spin from Paul's camp so in order to not come out looking like a bad guy. Not everyone wants to walk down the road LeBron did just to get a shot at winning. Besides, there have been multiple reports saying CP3 would like to be traded to a contender. Multiple high-profile, plugged-in insiders have reported the same thing. There's definitely some smoke here. And this report from the Times-Picayune might just be an effort to put out some of the fire.
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Slimwill:
What you do not understand is the so-called parity in the NFL has nothing to do with the salary cap, restricted free-agency or the franchise tag but more with their playoff system. The NBA and MLB determine their Champions with a seven game series while the NFL uses a single loss elimination. During a seven game series the better team will win the majority of the time while a single elimination format anything is possible for that one day. Even the sun shines on a dog's ass every now and then.
As far as the Hornets, you people greatly exagerate the situation in N.O. The Hornets were a playoff team in 08. There are 2 all-stars on the roster, and a promising front office. The leadership that was just purged had a decent track record until the last 2 seasons, and most of you had the Hornets tabbed as a Finals contender for 08. Ownership saw that those guys made poor decisions lately, and they were fired. You'd be hard pressed to find a more promising pair in the league than GM Demps, and Coach Williams. Salary Cap room will be available next season for a big free agent, and the Hornets have drafted well the past 2 seasons.
I don't understand your jibberish you say there are two all-stars and a promising front-office. With the exception of Chris Paul name the other player from the Hornets who made the all-star team last year? The leadership had a decent track record until the last two seasons? Are you trying to justify that the Majority Owner (George Shinn), Minority Owner (Gary Chouest), Team President (Hugh Weber) and Former General Manager/Head Coach (Jeff Bower) may have made some mistakes that may have ruined a franchise? The situation is more complex than you can imagine. Gary Chouest had a verbal agreement to buy out the majority owner Shinn but the deal has been delayed due to complications by Shinn. Jeff Bower who was the ring leader to have Byron Scott fired went back to the front-office temporarily and help decide on hiring Monty Williams and then stepped down as what was describe as a mutual parting of ways. C'mon now. With the Hornets ownership in turmoil and disarray you can’t blame Paul for wanting to leave.
A Hornets roster with a healthy Paul, (remember that the guy missed most of last season, leading to the poor record) and D. West can compete this season for a playoff spot. With the expiring contract of Stojakovic and Posey, the ability to make a play for a big name can make the Hornets a viable 3 headed monster. What other team has a better economic situation for the long term?
I'm sorry but David West had a nice run but he's no longer a threat, Peja and Posey's contracts will come off the books and seasons end but who will they sign? Who wants to go to New Orleans knowing CP3 is leaving? A lot of teams have close to or better financial maneuverability; the Clippers, Nets, or Cavaliers. And several more will clear cap space in the upcoming years as well. As for competing for a playoff spot I doubt that very seriously. You have the DEFENDING TWO-TIME CHAMPS-LAKERS, Denver, Dallas, Portland, OKC, Houston (with or without Yao), Utah, Phoenix and maybe San Antonio or Memphis all ahead of New Orleans. I don't think they will finish higher than the Clippers or the Warriors.