Clippers re-engage in trade talks for Chris Paul

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The Clippers re-opened trade talks late Tuesday afternoon in an attempt to acquire Chris Paul from New Orleans in a blockbuster deal, while still offering less than what New Orleans originally had wanted, said a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly about it.

The Clippers are negotiating more with the NBA now in phone conversations, the person said, and less with Hornets General Manager Dell Demps.

But the person also said nothing was imminent.

The Clippers’ thinking was that they figured the Hornets desperately want to move the disgruntled Paul and that New Orleans now might be more willing to accept Los Angeles’ offer.

The Clippers were more than willing to send New Orleans center Chris Kaman, second-year forward Al-Farouq Aminu, second-year point guard Eric Bledsoe and the unprotected 2012 first-round draft pick they got from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Talks broke down Monday when the Clippers pulled out of the deal because they felt the Hornets had asked for too much. The Hornets wanted shooting guard Eric Gordon, but the Clippers declined. The Clippers are not offering Gordon this time, either.

Of course the NBA, which owns the Hornets, would have to sign off on the deal before it can be completed. The league has already stopped proposed trades of Paul to the Lakers and to the Clippers. But what may actually help the Clippers get the deal done is the young players they are offering, as well as what figures to be a high-lottery draft pick.

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-- Broderick Turner