DENVER, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Chris Paul scored 20 points in the New Orleans Hornets' 96-87 decision over Denver Sunday as trade rumors swirled around the Nuggets.
Paul distributed six assists and David West added 19 points, grabbed eight rebounds and had five assists for the Hornets, who broke a two-game losing streak.
The Nuggets played poorly as speculation intensified that superstar Carmelo Anthony was on the verge of being traded.
Reports indicated the Nuggets were close to completing a three-team deal that would send Anthony and teammate Chauncey Billups to the New Jersey Nets in a trade that would also involve the Detroit Pistons.
Anthony went 3-for-11 from the field Sunday, finishing with eight points, and Billups ended with 13 points on 2-of-12 shooting as Denver lost its third straight.
