Clippers' deal for Chris Paul collapses, "too steep"

By Paul Levine Dec 13, 2011, 0:28 GMT

Los Angeles - Another blockbuster deal to ship Chris Paul to Hollywood, this time to the LA Clippers, not cross-town rival Lakers, was shot down on Monday because the asking price was too expensive.

The Clippers emerged as the leading contender to acquire Paul from the league-owned New Orleans Hornets after NBA commissioner David Stern on Thursday night rejected a proposed three-team, multi-player trade with Houston that would have brought the two-time All-Star point guard to the Lakers.

After trying to rework the deal, the Lakers ended the discussions Saturday night, saying the Hornets were asking too much for Paul.

In the latest proposal, the Clippers would have acquired Paul in exchange for veteran centre Chris Kaman, second-year backup guard Eric Bledsoe, second-year forward Al Farouq and the number one pick received from the Minnesota Timberwolves that is unprotected in the 2012 draft.

However, sources close to the negotiations told ESPN.com the Hornets were insisting young sharpshooting guard Eric Gordon be included in the package. The Clippers then pulled out, saying the demands were 'too steep.'

Paul will earn 16 million dollars this season and can opt out of his contract this summer to become an unrestricted free agent, meaning the 26-year-old can sign with any team and the Hornets would receive no compensation.

In other moves: The Detroit Pistons waived veteran guard Richard Hamilton, who helped the franchise to the 2004 NBA Championship and two Finals appearances in his nine seasons in Motown.

'We thank Richard Hamilton for his time here with the Pistons organization,' said president of basketball operations Joe Dumars. 'Rip was a champion with us and a big part of our success over the last nine years. We wish him all the best in the future.'

A two-time All-Star, Hamilton led the Pistons in scoring in eight of his nine seasons, averaging 18.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in 631 contests.

The Timberwolves reached an agreement with unrestricted free agent J.J. Barea on a four-year, 19 million-dollar deal, ESPN reported.

The speedy 5-foot-8-inch guard from Puerto Rico enjoyed a breakout season off the bench and took his game up another notch in the playoffs, helping the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat for their first NBA Championship.

The Mavs were offering Barea a one-year contract believed to be worth 8 million dollars to return, but wouldn't commit to more than one season because they want to keep their salary-cap options open for 2012.

Barea is expected to join Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, who will be making his NBA debut after being taken with the fifth pick in the 2009 draft but played the last two seasons in his native Barcelona.

Barea joins Tyson Chandler (New York) and Caron Butler (LA Clippers), who left as free agents following the Mavericks' championship season.

Also, the Wolves officially announced the signing of Derrick Williams, the second overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.