One of the biggest driving factors in all those Chris Paul trade rumors from a year ago was the inability of the New Orleans Hornets to commit to contending at the highest levels of NBA basketball. Whether it meant making bold, sweeping moves to bring in fresh talent or spending to add the right parts around the All-NBA point guard, Paul wasn't convinced George Shinn would do it. When the NBA took over the franchise in December, that assumption wasn't exactly squelched.
But after the Hornets were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 in New Orleans on Thursday, Paul said he believes the franchise and its players are committed to winning. From John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune:
Paul said first-year coach Monty Williams was exceptional with preparation. Paul also commended the numerous personnel moves by General Manager Dell Demps that improved the roster and helped the Hornets earned the first playoff berth since 2009. He particularly lauded the addition of Carl Landry.
Paul is scheduled to be a free agent in 2012, and rumors will follow him until he signs an extension with the Hornets. CP3 will have a busy summer either way, as he's the only All-Star who sits on the National Basketball Players Association's executive committee as the union and league enter what are expected to be contentious labor negotiations.
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