Paul could be traded by the weekend

The Chris Paul era in New Orleans could be ending as early as this weekend if Hornets General Manager Dell Demps can find adequate value in trading the four-time All-Star point guard, The Times-Picayune reports. Sources tell the newspaper the Hornets have had preliminary trade discussions with the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, Mavericks, Celtics, Knicks and Magic. And even more teams could enter the Paul sweepstakes before it’s all over. The Hornets have been listening to offers since last week, but they’ve been proceeding more intensely since Paul indicated in Monday’s meeting with Demps he is not interested in signing a long-term extension to remain in New Orleans, sources say. Apparently, Paul is willing to turn down the Hornets’ five-year, $100 million extension offer. Under rules of the new labor agreement, the most money Paul could earn from another team is $74 million over four years. Trade rumors have been swirling for the past week because Paul can opt out of his contract with the Hornets after this season. Read the full story here.