The Orlando Magic's efforts to acquire Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets may soon take a major hit as the Hornets have traded Darren Collison, Paul's backup and a rookie sensation last season, to the Indiana Pacers as part of a four-team, five-player trade, which Chad Ford first reported. Additionally, the Hornets will take on Houston Rockets swingman Trevor Ariza, who would join Emeka Okafor as a Paul running-mate with a long-term contract. The Pacers will receive Hornets swingman James Posey as well.
To review, New Orleans has dumped one bad contract; taken on another, longer-term one; and rid itself of Paul's backup in one transaction. If that's not a sign that it's prepared to build around Paul--or that it's not prepared to trade him, depending on your point of view--I'm not sure what is.
Trade rumors have linked the Magic to Paul, the NBA's top point guard, throughout the summer and intensified when he reportedly listed the Magic as among his favorite potential destinations.