NEW YORK – Criticism of the NBA’s squashing of a potential Chris Paul trade is pouring in from around the league.
The New Orleans Hornets, owned by the league, had agreed to a three-team trade Thursday that would have sent their All-Star point guard to the Los Angeles Lakers. But the league killed the deal for “basketball reasons” and has denied the decision came about because of pressure on Commissioner David Stern from angry owners.
The 26-year-old Paul was seen walking into New Orleans’ training facility Friday wearing a black Hornets practice jersey.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told a radio station the league went through the lockout to prevent this very type of deal in which small-market teams lose their superstars. And a letter from Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert to Stern clearly showed he, too, objected to the deal.
“I just don’t see how we can allow this trade to happen,” Gilbert wrote in the letter, which was obtained by Yahoo Sports and The New York Times.
He added: “I know the vast majority of owners feel the same way that I do.”
Utah Jazz president Randy Rigby said owners had no say in vetoing the trade but applauded the move.
“I’m one who likes to
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