FILE - IN this Oct. 4, 2011, file photo, National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern, looks on during a news conference in New York. The New Orleans Hornets, owned by the league, had agreed to a three-team trade Thursday that would have sent
FILE - IN this Oct. 4, 2011, file photo, National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern, looks on during a news conference in New York. The New Orleans Hornets, owned by the league, had agreed to a three-team trade Thursday that would have sent their All-Star point guard to the Los Angeles Lakers. But the league killed the deal for "basketball reasons" and has denied the decision came about because of pressure on commissioner Stern from angry owners. Bebeto Matthews, File, Associated Press
By Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS — NBA Commissioner David Stern says his only consideration during trade talks concerning Chris Paul was getting the best deal for the New Orleans Hornets.

Stern says he believes he's succeeded with Wednesday night's deal in which the Hornets traded Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Eric Gordon, forward Al-Farouq Aminu, center Chris Kaman and a first-round draft choice.

The deal required Stern's approval because the Hornets are owned by the league. The commissioner says he did not believe a deal he rejected involving the Lakers last week was as good for the Hornets, which the league intends to sell to new owners who'll keep the team in Louisiana.

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Stern says "the future of the Hornets in New Orleans is brighter than it's ever been."

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