Time to cool down a little.

Look, I am more than a little annoyed at EJ's recent discovery of his intense love for the desert, but it ultimately doesn't mean a damn thing. This is not the same as Chris Paul saying he wanted out. Gordon has zero leverage in this situation, unless he plans on playing out the year under the one-year Qualifying Offer (which is certainly not happening). I think some residual Chris Paul scorn is making people turn this into a bigger deal than it really is. This happens all the time in the NBA. For example, last season Chauncey Billups told teams they would "regret it" if they claimed him off waivers. Guess what? The Clippers did so, and Chauncey fell right in line. He was not missing any pay checks over his attempt at a power play. He even re-signed with the Clips this week. In 2003 Elton Brand practically begged Donald Sterling not to match the offer sheet that he signed with the Heat. Sterling did it anyway, and Brand remained in Los Angeles until 2008. These guys aren't risking long-term deals to get their way. My guess is that the Hornets get with EJ, tell him he's playing here next year, and straighten him out. He'll say what he's supposed to say, and people will forget about this after his first or second 30 point game. Maybe I'm wrong, and Dell is annoyed enough with Gordon to agree to sign-and-trade him to PHX, but whatever they get would not be a great return for EJ. My take is that this is just some posturing by a guy who liked Phoenix and doesn't really understand how restricted free agency works (Just like the Times-Pic guys!). Sure, it's annoying, but ultimately his wishes mean nothing here. Tough luck.