People trying to back Stern here are missing the point. This isn't about Stern vetoing the deal. But rather that he gave EVERYONE, and I repeat, EVERYONE the impression that Demps make the trades on his own accords. That Demps has the right to say whether or not a trade benefits the Hornets or not. If Stern had given Demps the "only trade CP3 for young guys with no salary" ultimatum, then this debacle would not have happened. Because the initial offers would be off the table entirely. Morey would not be talking about KMart and Scola, while NO would not scoff at the likes of Patterson or Morris. But Demps obviously wanted veteran players. And everyone assumed that he had Stern's approval for seeking this. It's not about Stern not wanting to add salary to the Hornets. He can tear the entire team apart for all I care. Just don't string along my GM on the idea that he can trade two veterans for CP3 when he couldn't in the first place.
II actually am still super-bamboozled by this whole scenario from top-to-bottom. This is the most utterly confusing cluster**** since Glenn Grunewald ****ed the Rockets over by reneging on the Damon Stoudamire non-trade back in the 90's.
I am not saying it is not on Stern. Stern handled this situation in the absolute worst way possible. The trade was discussed for months and he was aware of that - he should`ve stepped in a long time ago and outlined what`s possible and what not. Terrible handling by Stern. But also a bad trade for NO that should not happen (if you are a NO fan).
now this scares me. the trade was good because it didn't include patterson, lowry, lee, or morris. If we have to start including those guys, i would no longer be supportive of this trade.
No, he could not sue under these circumstances. Pretend for a moment that Paul played for the Rockets. He could not sue Les Alexander for refusing to trade him. Just because he could potentially earn more money if he were traded is irrelevant. He has a contract with the Hornets and he has no right to leave unless the team agrees to trade him. The only way there is legal action be taken by the player's union is if they were party to the deal that gave the Hornets to the league and it gave autonomy to the appointed general manager to make trades free from league interference.
This trade had as much to do with shedding salary to go after A Free agent big as it does for getting Gasol. You have to trade Scola and Martin or the deal is dead to me.
Read the statement released by the NBA. It's the salary commitment which killed the deal. The NBA isn't likely to approve both but might if one was bundled with expiring contracts.
but if by "younger pieces" they are talking about T-Will, Dragic, Thabeet, Hill, Bud, and Flynn ...absofreakinglutely!
Guess they want to please all those idiots who would rather keep scola and martin over Ppat and lowry
I still predict the trade goes through by the end of the week. Otherwise, Stern did more harm than good blocking the trade.
Damon Stoudamire, superstar PG!!!!!!1111!!! Who knew that guy would go from putting up Chris Paul numbers to Luke Ridnour numbers.
So, maybe NOR just needs to flip one of Scola, Odom or Martin for something like cap space/expiring contract, young player and maybe pick?
Trust me! Yes you can. Artists/Production Companies go through this all the time! Bottomline is this... He wants to get traded. Can't happen because they won't allow it. Furthermore damaging the franchise. Let's just say, he has already said he won't sign a contract extension. Which is why they were trying to deal him in the first place... He is forced to play with a huge burden on his back from the league to "Fill the seats" (yeah he can sit out and he should). Then he get's injured with no contract. Loses out on ALOT of money due to the failure of the league to listen to its players. IT can happen. I am almost positive of it.
