Can the Hornets Afford to Keep CP3?

Some don’t think they can: “So, put yourself in Paul’s shoes for a second. (No, you don’t get his paycheck.) He’s the face of the franchise. He signed an extension that could keep him in New Orleans until at least the summer of 2012. Yet the franchise is looking to trade away basketball assets for financial assets. What happens if Paul becomes convinced the Hornets don’t have the capacity to field a competitive team? He might already have come to that conclusion. He’s going to want out, right? So while we focus on the free agent class of 2010, keep an eye on things in the Big Easy. I don’t think teams are going to have to wait until 2012 to make a pitch for Chris Paul.”