Chris Paul Traded To Clippers For Package Led By Eric Gordon, According To Report

The New Orleans Hornets have agreed in principle to trade All-NBA point guard Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers for a package including stud shooting guard Eric Gordon, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. The package will also send veteran center Chris Kaman, young forward Al-Farouq Aminu and the unprotected 2012 first-round pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Hornets.

The Hornets are currently owned by the NBA. One week ago, the Los Angeles Lakers had reportedly reached a deal with New Orleans' front office to send CP3 out West. But late Thursday, NBA commissioner David Stern spiked the deal, arguing that the Hornets were more valuable with CP3 on the roster.

With this deal, the Clippers -- who have All-Star Blake Griffin, signed free agent Caron Butler, acquired Chauncey Billups from amnesty waivers and retained center DeAndre Jordan -- will be vaulted into the playoff picture. It's unclear how long CP3 is willing to commit to the Clippers, as he can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2012. It's unlikely that L.A. would be willing to give up so much without an assurance that Paul would stick around for a while.

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