Dan Gilbert’s Letter to David Stern About Chris Paul Trade to LA Lakers0

Another letter from Dan Gilbert. Honestly, it seems as if the Cleveland Cavaliers’ owner is still reeling from LeBron James’ public exit last season and would like to force feed another franchise his thoughts on how basketball business should be handled. The only problem is that now instead of the New Orleans Hornets receiving something for Chris Paul’s departure, they would likely have to wait until he walks out on his own free will during next year’s free agency. Smart move Gilbert! Smart move.

Commissioner,

It would be a travesty to allow the Lakers to acquire Chris Paul in the apparent trade being discussed.

This trade should go to a vote of the 29 owners of the Hornets.

Over the next three seasons this deal would save the Lakers approximately $20 million in salaries and approximately $21 million in luxury taxes. That $21 million goes to non-taxpaying teams and to fund revenue sharing.

I cannot remember ever seeing a trade where a team got by far the best player in the trade and saved over $40 million in the process. And it doesn’t appear that they would give up any draft picks, which might allow to later make a trade for Dwight Howard. (They would also get a large trade exception that would help them improve their team and/or eventually trade for Howard.) When the Lakers got Pau Gasol (at the time considered an extremely lopsided trade) they took on tens of millions in additional salary and luxury tax and they gave up a number of prospects (one in Marc Gasol who may become a max-salary player).

I just don’t see how we can allow this trade to happen.

I know the vast majority of owners feel the same way that I do.

When will we just change the name of 25 of the 30 teams to the Washington Generals?

Please advise….

Dan G.

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1. Chris Paul Reportedly Joining Lakers?
2. David Stern Not Happy With LeBron James
3. David West likes the Nets?
4. Kobe on trade rumors
5. Nets trade for Deron williams