John Moore - Inspin Contributer

News Flash - The Los Angeles Clippers have rejected the proposed deal. Read more at: http://msn.foxsports.com

News from the LA Times reported late Sunday that NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers are close to landing Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets -one of the biggest stars in the franchise's 40-year history-. The deal comes after the LA Lakers abruptly withdrew from the sweepstakes on Saturday night after 24 hours of unsuccessful attempts to reach a deal with the Hornets and the Rockets, -that would be approved by the National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern- failed.

According to several news leads the plan for the Hornets would be to receive much-needed size in 7-0 center Chris Kaman who’s NBA Statistics are: (12.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg), a promising second-year point guard in Eric Bledsoe (6.7 ppg, 3.6 apg, 1.1 spg), an athletic second-year small forward in Al-Farouq Aminu (5.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and the Clippers' unprotected 2012 draft pick via the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Hornets have been under increasing pressure to secure a decent deal for Paul, who can become a free agent in July 2012 - is expected to make $16.3 million this season - and has already told the franchise that he does not intend to sign an extension.

Neil Olshey, Clippers vice president of basketball operations, has been determined to get a player of Paul's caliber without parting with his centerpieces; Power forward Blake Griffin (22.5 ppg, 12.1 rpg) is coming off a dominant Rookie of the Year season and and shooting guard Eric Gordon (22.3 ppg) is entering his fourth year.

Coming into free agency, the Clippers had more than $12 million in salary cap space because of several expiring contracts. "I think we're still one major piece away," Olshey told USA TODAY in February. "We need one more major player to join this team."

If the trade proposal gets finalized and approved by the league, Olshey will have succeeded. Paul is a game-changer. He averaged a career-low 15.8 points and 9.8 assists last season, but can contribute in so many other ways.

Paul spearheaded one of the NBA's best defensive teams in the Hornets by averaging 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 steals.

The addition of Paul would give the Clippers four proven scorers in the starting lineup.

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