Chris Paul Denies Rumors Of A Trade Demand

Chris Paul shrugged off reports that he has demanded a trade to the New York Knicks during an informal practice yesterday with teammates, according to The Times Picayune.

“It is just rumors; you can’t control it,’’ Paul said when asked about a report that said he asked the team for a trade. “It’s always going to happen, and it’s part of the game. I’m just happy to be back with my team.’’

Yahoo! Sports initially reported yesterday that the 26-year-old had informed the New Orleans Hornets that he would not sign an extension with the team and requested to be traded to the New York Knicks. That story came just one day after rumors spread rampant that the Boston Celtics were looking to acquire the All-Star in return for their own point guard Rajon Rondo.

Paul can become a free-agent after this season and has expressed his desire to play in a setting that better allows him to compete for a NBA title. It is believed that his primary choice is the New York Knicks, where he could team up with fellow superstars Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire. The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers have also been rumored destinations for Paul.

Paul has had an illustrious six year career in New Orleans. Since being drafted No. 4 overall by the Hornets he has been an All-Star four times and has finished in the top-five in MVP voting twice. In 2007-08 and 2008-09 he led the league in assists, and in 2005-06 he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.