Chris Paul had half the NBA on alert — not the Wizards, of course — when reports surfaced last month that he was jealous of his buddy LeBron James and wanted to get moved out of New Orleans to create his own championship contender.
Now that the Hornets have stepped in — not actually accommodating Paul’s demands but instead orchestrating a complicated four-team move to placate him — it will be up to Paul to decide whether he wants to emulate James in the summer of 2012 when he can opt out of his current contract.
Part of the reason “The Decision” was so acrimonious was because James had held Cleveland hostage since 2006, when he signed a minimal extension of three years. James gave the Cavaliers four years to put together a championship team around him and played a major role in how he wanted to make it happen. For instance, he acted as the driving force behind February’s trade for Wizards forward Antawn Jamison.
Five months later, James had every right to take his talents to South Beach, but he still left behind the very teammates he helped bring together.
In their attempt to surround Paul with better talent and longevity, the Hornets acquired Trevor Ariza, an athletic wing who last year signed a five-year, $34 million contract with Houston. New Orleans sent James Posey and promising young point guard Darren Collison to Indiana, leaving the rapidly tread-wearing Paul — who had knee surgery last year and played just 45 games — without a backup.
The trade also moved Troy Murphy to New Jersey and Courtney Lee to the Rockets.
Even if Paul didn’t push for the deal, his desires were the inspiration for it.
After meeting with Hornets brass July 26, Paul said in a statement, “I have been a Hornet my entire career, and I hope to represent the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana for many years to come.”
Despite the new reinforcements, those “many years” for Paul could be as few as two.
– Craig Stouffer
