Mitch Lawrence has joined Adrian Wojnarowski in reporting Net interest in Chris Paul, but Lawrence notes the offer was made in "recent weeks". Rod Thorn has said he doesn't anticipate trading the #3 pick, the asking price cited by both writers.
Shortly after Wojnarowski posted that "league sources believe the New Jersey Nets are willing to part with the #3 pick and every player on their roster except for center Brook Lopez," Mitch Lawrence added fuel to the fire. He reports that Rod Thorn "has expressed interest in Paul in recent weeks. Reportedly, the Nets have offered Devin Harris and the #3 overall pick in Thursday's NBA draft, but the Hornets, starting a new era under first-time coach Monty Williams are not ready to part with the face of the franchise and their only box-office draw."
Both stories had denials from New Orleans officials that the Hornets would actually part with Paul, particularly with the team ownership about to pass from cost-cutting George Shinn to billionaire oilman Gary Chouest. Paul missed 37 games last year with a torn meniscus and didn't seem himself on return.
- Hornets’ Paul draws interest as draft nears - Adrian Wojnarowski - Yahoo! Sports
- Nets making push to trade for Hornets guard Chris Paul - Mitch Lawrence - New York Daily News
- Chris Paul making slow recovery from injuries - AP