Chris Paul finally got his wish. The Hornets traded Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers along with two future second round picks for C Chris Kaman, SG Eric Gordon, SF Al-Farouq Aminu and the unprotected 1st round pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves. While some could argue that the talent level offered by the Lakers deal (which the league vetoed) was superior, it was also full of aging players that are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning.
The Clippers are now firmly in the conversation for a playoff spot, and Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan have one of the best pick-and-roll point guards in the league. When paired with former teammate Tyson Chandler in New Orleans, Paul regularly threw perfect lobs that Chandler threw down with ferocity. Griffin and Jordan are both above the rim players, and there should be lobs aplenty for both players. Paul also agreed to play out the option year of his contract as part of the trade, so the Clippers should have two seasons to see what this team can do.
The trade does leave the Clippers a bit thin at shooting guard and center, as Eric Gordon was the most complete player on the Clippers and Chris Kaman was a polished low-post scorer. They'll need Randy Foye to live up to his status as the #7 overall pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, and DeAndre Jordan will need to show improvement (especially from the free throw line) to warrant the 4 year, $42 million deal he now has after the Clippers matched Golden State's offer sheet.
New Orleans gets one of the better up-and-coming perimeter players in SG Eric Gordon. Gordon has good strength for a shooting guard, and is equally capable of shooting the three (37.5% career) as well as put the ball on the floor and attack the rim (6.2 free throw attempts per game last season). Al-Farouq Aminu is a bit of a project player, but is an athletic wing who has the frame to be a very good perimeter defender. Both Gordon and Aminu are still on their rookie contracts, which makes them a more attractive long-term option for a Hornets team that is clearly in rebuilding mode.
We also can't forget about Chris Kaman, who has gone somewhat un-appreciated in his career and is one of the better centers in the league. Kaman has a good perimeter jumper out to about 18 feet, and has a soft touch around the rim with the ability to score over either shoulder. Kaman's 2007-2008 season was the best of his career, as he averaged 15.7 points, 12.7 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. Injuries have hampered him some over the past three years, but is the only true scorer in the post for the Hornets.
Kaman's acquisition also poses an interesting question: Do the Hornets attempt to trade Emeka Okafor, who is due $40 million over the next three seasons? If they choose that route, its a calculated risk, as Kaman is will turn 30 this season, the last on his current contract, and could try to find greener pastures on a contending team. Okafor will also turn 30 this season, and neither really are likely part of the Hornets long-term plans.
This is where the unprotected first round pick comes in for New Orleans. The pick was originally belonged to the Timberwolves, but will likely end up being a top-10 pick. The 2012 Draft appears to be one of the deepest in recent memory, especially for big men. Among the prospects that could land in New Orleans include Anthony Davis (Kentucky), Andre Drummond (UConn), Perry Jones III (Baylor), Harrison Barnes (North Carolina) and Jared Sullinger (Ohio State).
Ultimately, this trade works out well for both teams, but unlike the Lakers deal, the Hornets are taking a small step back now in order to rebuild and, hopefully, take a big step forward in the future.
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