Chris Paul Meets With Hornets, Doesn't Request Trade

Hornets general manager Dell Demps says star guard Chris Paul did not request a trade during a meeting with New Orleans executives.

Demps says he is confident that Paul will be playing with the Hornets this season after Monday's meeting, which included new coach Monty Williams and team president Hugh Weber.

"He was energetic, he was open, he was honest," Demps told a group of reporters about Paul. "I think he just showed that he wants to win, and that's what we want to do, as well."

Paul expressed similar sentiments in a statement released by the team: "The meeting went well. It was great to get an opportunity to sit down with Coach Williams, President Weber and our new General Manager Dell Demps. I expressed my desire to win and I like what they said about the direction that they want to take the team. I have been a Hornet my entire career and I hope to represent the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana for many years to come."

Despite the feelings of optimism, a public trade request from Paul was always extremely unlikely, if for no other reason than NBA rules making such declarations quite costly. Last September, Stephen Jackson was fined $25,000 for telling reporters he was "looking to leave" the Warriors.

Leon Rose, Paul's agent, has reportedly been sending feelers around the league inquiring about potential trade scenarios. It remains to be seen if Rose continues doing so in the wake of Monday's meeting.

Paul has two years remaining before he can opt out of his current contract with the Hornets.

Shoals & Ziller: 5 Trade Scenarios for Chris Paul
Matt Moore: Hornets GM Dell Demps' History of Development

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.