NEW ORLEANS, June 23 (UPI) -- New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn said Wednesday point guard Chris Paul remains a key component in the NBA team's rebuilding plan.
The star player was quoted by ESPN.com as being open to going to another team if the Hornets weren't committed to winning.
Shinn said in a statement he and his partner, Gary Chouest, are committed to "build our legacy" in New Orleans with the goal of bringing an NBA championship to the city.
"We are about building and sustaining a winning tradition," Shinn said. "Chris Paul is the cornerstone of our franchise and brings us unequaled support on and off the court. We will continue to build around Chris Paul, and we want to see him in a Hornets uniform for the remainder of his career."
With Paul, the Hornets reached the Western Conference semifinals in 2007-08 and made the playoffs in 2008-2009. They slipped this past season, however, going 37-45 with Paul playing in only 45 games because of injury.
Paul's contract ties him to New Orleans the next three seasons for about $45 million with a player option for another $18 million in 2012-13.
In five NBA seasons, Paul has averaged 19.3 points, 10 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 steals. He was a rookie of the year and has been an all-star three times.
