Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets are probably nearing the end of what's been a fairly fruitful relationship for both sides. CP3 wants to play for a contender though, and it's looking very much like New Orleans isn't that.
The Hornets originally seemed to be interested in making a trade with several parties, and one of them included the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors seemed to at first be highly interested in acquiring perhaps the best pure point guard in the NBA, but they cooled off when the Hornets set their eyes on Stephen Curry. While the Warriors would love to have Paul, they know that losing Curry would make it less likely for CP3 to agree to sign to a long-term deal in Golden State.
So Golden State is looking at their other big bargaining chip. Marcus Thompson reports.
However, there may be a circumstance in which the Warriors would take CP3 on a rental … if New Orleans takes Monta Ellis.
One of the sources said Golden State is trying to get the Hornets to take Monta and pieces for CP3 instead of Curry. Not only can Curry play shooting guard because of his stroke, but he clearly has the most value and may help the Warriors make a serious play for Dwight Howard. Chandler and Curry for Dwight may sound appealing to Orlando come February. Getting Howard would be the Warriors’ best chance of convincing CP3 to sign long ter
Makes sense for the Warriors to try and deal Monta. With a distributor like Paul and a shooter like Curry, they probably complement each other better than the possession-heavy Ellis. The Warriors would probably be a more appealing team for a superstar like Howard, who is expected to also sign elsewhere when he hits free agency next summer.
To discuss the idea of CP3 and the Warriors, head to Golden State of Mind. To discuss the thought of Ellis with the Hornets, check out At The Hive.