Forward David West is expected to opt out of his contract after the season. Hornets coach Monty Williams Continue reading…

Larry Ellison, the fifth richest person in the world, worth $39.5 billion, could be bringing an NBA team to San Jose. Continue reading…

New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul could be the next star player to be shipped out Continue reading…

According to a league source who told FanHouse of this news late Thursday, there is reason to believe the league is looking strongly at the possibility of moving the Hornets to Kansas City and the Sprint Center that was built in 2007. — Fanhouse

While sources said David Stern’s desire is for the Hornets to remain in New Orleans, it’s possible a potential buyer in another area of the country could purchase the team and relocate it. Kansas City, Anaheim and Seattle have been mentioned as possible relocation sites, in addition to Chicago, which already has the Bulls, but it is the country’s third-largest media market and could conceivably support two teams. — New Orleans Times-Picayune

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Tuesday that an attendance clause believed to have lapsed in the team’s arena lease with the state actually still exists . That means the Hornets, currently 25th in the NBA in attendance despite their 12-5 start, would be permitted to start the relocation wheels spinning by breaking their lease unless they average at least 14,213 for the next 13 games. Team president Hugh Weber reaffirmed the team’s commitment to New Orleans in the article, but stopped short of unequivocally stating that the team would not use the clause to break the lease. One reason: It would cost the team $10 million. Another: New ownership would be wise to consider such a move. — CBS Sports

With an opportunity to opt of his contract next summer, New Orleans Hornets starting forward David West has advised his agent that he doesn’t want to enter discussions for an extension until after the season. West, who has spent his entire career with the Hornets after he was drafted as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2003 NBA draft, said he wants to take his time and make a smart business decision. “I’m looking to go in and make the best decision in terms of my future,” West said. “I plan on just playing this year and doing all I can to help this team improve and have a successful year.” — New Orleans Times-Picayune

Despite acquiring him in a trade last week from the San Antonio Spurs, the New Orleans Hornets waived point guard Curtis Jerrells on Sunday. With his release, the Hornets will not have to send a future second-round pick to the Spurs. Jerrells’ release comes after the Hornets acquired Jerryd Bayless in a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday night. Bayless will be introduced by the team on Monday.  — New Orleans Times-Picayune

Hornets star Chris Paul opened up and discussed the trade rumors that dominated the headlines all summer long. “At first [the rumors shocked me], but everything is a good story, especially during the summer when we’re not in season. Everyone wants to talk about something to keep the NBA relevant,” said Paul with a smile. When asked if he was caught off guard by anything that took place over the summer, the point guard shrugged. “Nothing, nothing is going to catch me off guard,” said Paul, who has seen a lot throughout the course of his five-year career. — Hoops World

To appease Paul’s wishes to improve the roster, the Hornets acquired swingman Trevor Ariza from the Houston Rockets in a four-team deal that involved the Hornets sending backup point guard Darren Collison and forward James Posey to the Indiana Pacers. The Hornets also traded Julian Wright to the Toronto Raptors for shooting guard Marco Belinelli. “My gut feeling is that we are not done yet, ’’ coach Monty Williams said. ”Dell and I share information on both sides. I talk to him about players and he talks to me about things we can do. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why we work so well together. “Trevor and Belinelli are pieces that will make things a little more efficient. I think Trevor is going to change the dynamics of our defense, but I’m not going to put all the pressure on him to stop guys or score 15 to 20 points every night.’’ The Hornets continue to seek a backup point guard and backup center either through a trade or free agency. — New Orleans Times-Picayune

The trade Wednesday of promising young point guard Darren Collison, who looked like a budding star in Chris Paul’s absence last season, officially ended any notion that the Hornets will consider trading Paul. It’s time to believe the Hornets. If Paul still wants to leave — and he fueled the earlier speculation — he’ll have to wait until he can opt out following the 2011-12 season. Until then, he better learn to like the Cajun cooking. — Fanhouse