David Stern is the master of Chris Paul's universe.
Chris Paul isn't bound for L.A.; instead, he's bound hand and foot to LA, after the league declined another deal, this time from the Clippers, which would've sent the Hornets Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu, Chris Kaman and a 2012 first-round draft pick. The NBA was also insisting that the Clippers include Eric Bledsoe, making the price of four players plus a pick so high Charlie Sheen considered snorting the proposal*. Surrendering a third of its active roster - including 3 players age 22 or younger (and a former All-Star) - in exchange for one player would've hurt the Clippers more than adding Paul would've helped them. Yes, the possibility of putting Paul with Blake Griffin is tempting for the astronomical amount alley-oops alone, but they'd need help, more help than even a Butler can provide.
Poor Paul, as if it's not aggravating enough that twice in the span of a work week he thought he was headed out West; instead West is headed out. Paul's pick and roll partner, David West, has agreed to terms with the Pacers. We were willing to cut David Stern some slack the first time because we thought the Lakers deal was like our checkbook - unbalanced - but the Clippers, while they play in a large market, receive little more national attention than the Hornets. Furthermore, the second trade was fair. By acting like He-Man - shouting "I have the power!" - Stern^ is, in effect, holding Paul hostage on a terrible team. If he wants the franchise to be attractive to potential buyers by retaining Paul for this shortened season, then why let the second-best player leave, especially considering that the contract West signed is only for two years? How is it just to allow one All-Star to walk away, while forcing the other to stand still? Even in Cajun country, caging a man is wrong.
*We simply snorted at the absurdity of the increased demand.
^ That makes Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver Man-at-Arms.
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