Top Magic and NBA news: Tuesday, July 27
- Chris Paul says his meeting with Hornets officials “went well,” but does that mean he doesn’t want to be traded? (Photo by Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
“The meeting went well. It was great to get an opportunity to sit down with Coach Williams, President Weber and our new General Manager Dell Demps. I expressed my desire to win and I like what they said about the direction that they want to take the team. I have been a Hornet my entire career and I hope to represent the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana for many years to come.”
–Chris Paul statement, June 26, 2010
Has Monday’s meeting between Chris Paul and New Orleans Hornets team officials eased Paul’s concerns about the direction of the team? Does he still want a trade?
Hornets officials indicated that Paul will remain with the team. But a cbssports.com report says Paul’s agent is still pushing for a trade.
Today’s Magic and NBA links focus on the Paul situation.
1. Hornets GM confident Paul will remain with team, The Associated Press, Brett Martel
The Buzz: Here’s a recap of yesterday’s meeting in New Orleans between Paul and Hornets officials.
2. No Magic moment, Orlando Sentinel, Brian Schmitz
The Buzz: Magic officials say they never expected the Hornets to trade Paul.
3. After Hornets meeting, Paul still seeking way out, cbssports.com, Ken Berger
The Buzz: Berger writes that, despite all of the public statements out of New Orleans yesterday, Paul’s representatives are still pushing for Paul to be traded.
4. New Orleans Hornets confident Chris Paul will play here this season, The Times-Picayune, John Reid
The Buzz: “It was a good opportunity for us to open the lines of communication,” Demps said. “He was energetic, he was open, he was honest. He showed that he wants to win, and that’s what we want to do, as well.”
5. New Orleans Hornets’ Dell Demps faces crisis management first day on job, The Times-Picayune, John DeShazier
The Buzz: Demps is in a predicament as he begins his tenure in New Orleans.
6. Why the Hornets should trade Chris Paul, Dime Magazine, Daniel Marks
The Buzz: Marks lists seven reasons why New Orleans should deal Paul.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers deal Delonte West, Sebastian Telfair . . ., The Plain Dealer, Brian Windhorst
The Buzz: The Cavs reached an agreement to send West and Telfair to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Ramon Sessions and Ryan Hollins and a 2013 second-round draft pick.
8. Magic Johnson predicts a Lakers three-peat but says the Heat’s time will come, Los Angeles Times, DeAntae Prince
The Buzz: “The Lakers still have the most talent,” said Johnson, who owns about five percent of the Lakers. “They’re the best team in the NBA.”
9. Bulls McGrady’s top choice, but feeling may not be mutual, Chicago Tribune, K.C. Johnson
The Buzz: McGrady doesn’t have a contract offer from the Bulls after his workout and interview Monday.
10. Jefferson hits winning note with Jazz, Yahoo! Sports, Marc J. Spears
The Buzz: “I go from being in a Toyota to a Bentley,” Al Jefferson said, describing his trade from the Timberwolves to the Utah Jazz. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
Follow Josh Robbins on Twitter at @JoshuaBRobbins and e-mail him at jrobbins@orlandosentinel.com. Subscribe to our Orlando Magic newsletter at OrlandoSentinel.com/joinus.
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