According to sources close to the New Orleans Hornets' front-office, the franchise's management is involved in extensive trade talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers. More precisely, the Cavs are apparently targeting sophomore guard Darren Collison who could be available if Cleveland is willing to take one of the Hornets' unfavorable contracts as part of the deal.

Considering that the much anticipated 2010 free agency bonanza will start in about two weeks, the Cavaliers are desperately looking to improve their roster in order to convince LeBron James to resign in Ohio. The fact that Darren Collison averaged an impressive 18.8 points and 9.2 assists during Chris Paul's absence certainly raised his trade value drastically. However, the big question remains how he would fit into Cleveland's system and what other parts might be necessary to convince the Hornets to let go off Collison. On one hand, the Cavs do not really need a pass-first point guard but rather a combo guard who leaves much of the playmaking to LeBron James. Likewise, one has to take into consideration that New Orleans sorely missed offensive productivity last year which in turn led to Collison being allowed to shoot from anywhere on the floor at any time. Obviously, the sophomore point guard would have to make some significant adjustments if he were to play in Cleveland.

On the other hand, the Hornets are well aware of the bargain they landed when they used the 21^st overall pick to select Collison. In fact, it might even make more sense to package Chris Paul with an undesirable contract like Peja Stojakovic or Emeka Okafor to shed both payroll and get something valuable in return. Speaking of which, the Cavs have very little of interest to New Orleans that they are willing to trade. Where as the Hornets are obviously looking for expiring contracts it is rather unlikely that they will agree on a trade unless they get some talent in return as well.

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