David Stern strikes again. According to multiple outlets, the league’s asking price for Chris Paul was deemed too high by the Clippers, and negotiations between the two teams have come to an end.

Although the details aren’t completely confirmed, it’s believed the Hornets were insisting that the Clippers give up Eric Gordon, Minnesota’s 2012 draft pick, another first round pick, Al-Farouq Aminu, Eric Bledsoe, and Chris Kaman.

With no other team in the immediate race for Paul’s services, the league essentially wanted the Clippers to outbid themselves and forfeit every asset they had available.

Paul was reportedly ready to opt-in once traded to the Clippers, giving him at the bare minimum two years with the team.

It’s possible the Clippers and Hornets re-engage, but not as likely that the Hornets move off their hard-line stance. This is no longer about “basketball reasons” or the marketability of a franchise — it’s about proving a point. Stern and the owners don’t want players to be able to force a small market franchise to trade them to a destination of their choosing. The league, even if it kills New Orleans in the meantime, seems content with letting Chris Paul walk at the end of the year and become a true free agent.

More details as they come, but it sounds as though the Chris Paul dream is officially dead. Again.

It’s been a crazy night. The Lakers have dropped out of the revitalized trade discussions for Paul and have instead decided to ship forward Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks for future draft picks — picking up a large trade exception in the process which in turn may aid them in acquiring Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic.

Meanwhile, the Clippers are looking to bring Chris Paul to Los Angeles after all.

From Marc Stein:

“Sources close to the situation tell ESPN that Clippers have emerged as “early frontrunner” to acquire CP3 now that Lakers out of running.”

A few important notes:

• With DeAndre Jordan likely to sign a four-year, $40-million dollar offer sheet with Golden State tomorrow that the Clippers will almost certainly match, he can’t be flipped to any team until March 1st. It’s safe to say DeAndre Jordan is in no way involved in these discussions.
• Chris Kaman and his $12.7 million dollar expiring contract has to be offered up to make the salaries match. Other likely pieces include some combination of Eric Bledsoe, Al-Farouq Aminu, and the unprotected rights to Minnesota’s first round pick this year.
• The big questions we’ve been batting around all offseason: Are the Clippers willing to part with Eric Gordon for Chris Paul? If they do, will they also have to include the Minnesota pick? Is Paul open to extending long-term, or just opting in to his player option for next season? All things to consider.

Seems like it’s time for the Clippers to make their move since New Orleans (and the league) wants this resolved quickly. We’ll have more details and analysis as this progresses — stay tuned.

From David Aldridge of NBA.com:

“Source: Caron Butler agrees to terms with Clippers. Three years, 24M.”

 

We’ll have plenty of analysis to follow up, but it looks like Caron Butler will sign a 3-year, 24-million dollar contract tomorrow and become the Clippers starting small forward on opening night.

If you haven’t read it yet, check out my breakdown of Caron Butler and how he fits with the Clippers.

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America

Caron Butler, SF

The gist:  During his prime, ”Tuff Juice,” as he was affectionately named by former Wizards coach Eddie Jordan for his aggressive playing style, was one of the premier wing players in the league.  Defensive intensity and a lethal midrange game came to define his identity through stops with the Heat, Lakers, Wizards and then Mavericks for the past two seasons.  He will turn 32 during the upcoming season, and after playing in only 29 games last year, the question with Butler is: what type of player is he, coming off of a major knee injury, and how much money will he command?  More...

Photo from celticslife.com

In the first installment of Free Agency Previews, ClipperBlog examines the case for and against signing one of 2011′s (soon-to-be 2012′s) marquee free agents, Tayshaun Prince.

Tayshaun Prince, SF

The gist: Prince possesses an impressive combination of length, athleticism, defensive ability, efficiency and pedigree stretched into his 6’9, 215 lb. frame. He’s a veteran and upmost professional, capable of scoring 12-15 points per night while simultaneously clamping down on the opposing team’s top offensive threat (he held small forwards to a 12.2 PER last season). Although he’s been a mainstay in Detroit, it appears he no longer wants to be a part of the rebuilding project.  More...