Tim Povtak of NBA FanHouse has joined the Orlando Magic/Chris Paul rumor frenzy, and now reports the Magic's offered their starting backcourt of Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter to the New Orleans Hornets for Paul and the large contract of swingman James Posey. Povtak's report doesn't mention Josh Robbins' prior update, in which Magic GM Otis Smith denied asking the Hornets about Paul. Still, Povtak has done some digging, and cites a source in addition to the one Sam Amick, his FanHouse colleague, consulted when Amick first broke the story this morning.
It's important to note that the trade Povtak mentions won't work under the current collective bargaining agreement, as New Orleans would receive $8.13 million more than permitted. That particular deal would need adjusting to go through, but if you believe Povtak, the real takeaway from his story is this: Orlando's prepared to dump its starting backcourt for the chance to employ the best point guard in the world.