Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert should be happy on Sunday morning with word of the renewed efforts to trade Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers over the past couple of days have fallen through again.
The Lakers pulled out of the talks with the New Orleans Hornets and Houston Rockets that intended to tweak a deal agreed to on Thursday night that was eventually vetoed by NBA commissioner David Stern. Gilbert played a big role in Stern's decision, voicing his concerns about the deal to Stern, wondering how the NBA-owned Hornets could let Paul join the Lakers while still trying to give lip service about competitive balance around the league.
The original deal actually would've helped the Hornets compete in the long run, but now that option is dead with the Lakers reportedly turning their attention to acquiring center Dwight Howard instead. The Hornets still need to find a spot for Paul since the guard will eventually leave as a free agent. Better to get some assets in return now than to let him walk at the end of the season.
No, Gilbert and the Cavs won't be in the mix for Paul, although I'm sure CP3 wouldn't mind a few minutes of Gilbert's time to let him know how he feels. The Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors appear to have the right parts to make a play for Paul now that the Lakers are out of the mix.