Chris Paul May be Traded to the Clippers

The NBA canceling a deal between the Lakers and Hornets involving Chris Paul wasn’t enough to discourage the Clippers from pursuing a similar trade.

According to the LA Times, the Clippers are close to a deal that would send Chris Kaman, Eric Bledsoe, Al-Farouq Aminu, and a first-round pick in the 2012 draft to the Hornets for Chris Paul.

The Clippers reportedly were pursuing a deal for Paul prior to the failed Lakers trade, but they were reluctant to include Eric Bledsoe in a deal. Somehow New Orleans may be interested in what the Clippers are offering even if Bledsoe is not included. That is a joke, because the Clippers are not offering very much.

Chris Kaman is making $12 million but his contract is expiring. Al-Farouq Aminu and Eric Bledsoe were both top 20 picks a year ago. One would figure the allure in the deal is the first-round pick New Orleans is acquiring — an unprotected selection from the Timberwolves. Still, this is Chris Paul we’re talking about. The Clippers are hardly giving up anything of value. Chris Paul could opt out of his contract after the season and become a free agent, but for what the Clippers would be losing, it would be a worthwhile trade.

It would be hard to believe that the NBA could block Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and a pick for Paul, but that they’d approve this.