Hornets Point Guard Chris Paul Wants Out, Requests Trade

In late June, All-Star point guard Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets addressed highly publicized trade rumors by clarifying that his first choice was to remain in New Orleans as long as the team is committed to winning. It appears that New Orleans’ unwillingness – and inability, due to financial restrictions - to improve the roster via free agency has proven to be the last straw for the best point guard in the NBA.

According to the Associated Press, Paul has requested a trade and he is scheduled to sit down with high-ranking members of the Hornets front office on Monday to discuss his options. The three-time All-Star cannot opt out of his current contract until after the 2011-12 season, but he is frustrated over New Orleans’ lackadaisical and noncommittal attitude towards winning immediately.

Paul will meet with general manager Dell Demps, team president Hugh Weber and head coach Monty Williams, who will most likely attempt to implement damage control through verbal persuasion. There have been conflicting reports in regards to the star point guard’s preferred destinations.

The New York Times is reporting that Paul hopes to end up with the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers or Orlando Magic. Meanwhile, ESPN believes that the Knicks, Magic, Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks are the frontrunners for his services.

At Carmelo Anthony’s wedding earlier this month, Paul brought up the possibility of forming a dynamic trio consisting of himself, Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire, who signed with New York during the offseason.