Ignore the good vibrations the Hornets were trying to send out after their meeting with frustrated guard Chris Paul on Monday.
Paul still wants a trade and the Hornets will look to move him in the near future, CBSSports.com reports.
“They don’t want to start the season with him unless he changes his attitude,” one source told the website.
Reports last week were that Paul wanted out and he had the Knicks and Magic on top of his wish list. But the Hornets will only care about where they can get the most value and they will talk to the Nets, among other teams, likely asking for a package that would include Devin Harris, Derrick Favors and draft picks.
The Nets will talk to the Hornets, but would be weary of giving away too much for the disgruntled guard, especially if it includes taking on Emeka Okafor’s bloated salary from New Orleans.
The report also states that the Knicks have what they believe is a credible offer ready for when the Hornets are ready to move Paul and would be willing to absorb Okafor’s salary.
But the fact that Paul would like to join Amar’e Stoudemire in New York may have little bearing on the Hornets’ decision.
“They don’t want to let CP3 dictate the teams,” a source told the website. “And they can’t look like they are being held hostage by his trade demands.”