Chris Paul Denies That He Asked for Trade to the Knicks

This is how things will go until Chris Paul is eventually (inevitably) traded from the New Orleans Hornets. Trade rumors will fly, Paul will be forced to deny them, and then, well, y’know … From the Times-Picayune: “On the same day Paul participated in his first volunteer workout at the Alario Center since the 149-day lockout ended, a report came out in Yahoo! Sports on Thursday saying his agent told the Hornets the All-Star point guard would not sign a contract extension and wants to be traded to the Knicks. But two league sources confirmed after the story broke that Paul’s agent, Leon Rose, never made the request to the Hornets. ‘It is just rumors; you can’t control it,’ Paul said. ‘It’s always going to happen, and it’s part of the game. I’m just happy to be back with my team.’ Whether the Hornets trade Paul or he opts out after this season remains unknown. Paul has yet to disclose his plans, and Hornets General Manager Dell Demps was not available the past two days to address the situation. But sources indicate the Hornets still aim to sign Paul to a long-term extension. However, the Hornets have listened to several trade offers from teams interested in acquiring Paul.”