Sources confirm the Hornets would be interested in any trade deal with the Golden State Warriors that would include second-year shooting guard Klay Thompson. But sources indicate the Warriors are reluctant to part ways with Thompson, whom they feel is a young emerging star.

via John Reid NOLA.com

This trade would be more than ideal for the Hornets. Gordon has yet to play in back-to-back games this season, so trading for a more reliable option would be best. Thompson may not be the play-maker Gordon is but he will put up the points. Thompson is also still on his rookie salary contract of about $2 mill for the next two season while Gordon will be bringing in a max contract worth $15 for the next four. Of course for this trade to work the Hornets would need to acquire more contracts from the Warriors but the Warriors have plenty. I am sure the Hornets would at least want 1 other decent player back in this trade, maybe Carl Landry returns to New Orleans, Landry is currently on a 1 year $5 million contract. The Warriors could also throw in Andris Biedrins who for some reason is getting paid $10 million this season, same with Richard Jefferson.

December 18, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) looks on during the first quarter against the New Orleans Hornets at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

If the Hornets were able to shed Gordon’s contract and pick up a low one like Klay Thompson’s they would be able to sign a player to a max deal in this upcoming free agency. A few players that have a good chance of being in free agency this year include Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, Monta Ellis, Brandon Jennings, Andre Iguodala, and Eric Bledsoe.

February 1, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon (10) shoots the ball during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 113-98. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

With the resurgence of Eric Gordon the Hornets have actually been playing well together. Everybody knows that the Hornets are not a playoff team right now so don’t expect them to make the playoffs. Despite that fact, their future is looking bright with team they have assembled. The only players with some “real” trade value on the team right now would be Eric Gordon, Anthony Davis, Grevis Vasquez, Robin Lopez, and Ryan Anderson. Teams will fish and send out offers to the Hornets for those players but they will quickly be denied. The Hornets have the young players, cap room, and draft picks to make a playoff team as early as next season.

There are a few slightly possible trade scenarios for the Hornets, but nothing big. This years upcoming draft class has been said to not be that great. Many scouts have advised teams to trade away their pick if possible. For the Hornets situation I say keep it, the Hornets desperately need another wing player that can make a consistent impact. There will be a few on the draft board in Shabazz Muhammad, Ben McLemore, and Michael Carter-Williams. The Hornets will need at least a top 10 pick to get either one of those players and right now they are right on schedule for it. If the Hornets start winning more games and rise in the standings then trading the 2013 draft pick would be ideal.

There was also a rumor that maybe the Hornets would look to trade Al-Farouq Aminu and another player for a veteran with an expiring contract. Not sure who the Hornets would target but it could help free up more cap space for the off-season.

Either way the Hornets will have a quiet trade deadline period, unless Rudy Gay is offered for Ryan Anderson or something crazy.

June 4, 2012; Westwego, LA, USA; New Orleans Hornets head coach Monty Williams and general manager Dell Demps watch prospects during a pre-draft workout at the Alario Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports