NBA rumors: Hornets, Lakers, Knicks among five teams linked with possible Chris Paul trade

According to a report, the Hornets, Lakers, Knicks, Suns and Heat could potentially make a move for veteran Rockets point guard Chris Paul.

The Houston Rockets could reportedly move veteran point guard Chris Paul this summer in their desire to improve their roster, and according to latest speculations, there are a numbers of teams that could be their trade partner.

While no team has officially made it known that they intend to pursue CP3, Sean Deveney of Sporting News reports that five teams could potentially trade for the former All-Star in the coming weeks.

Charlotte and Miami are among the teams that could be interested in Paul. Phoenix is weighing its options at point guard, but there is an outside chance they'd get involved. And keep an eye on the Lakers or Knicks – it's likely that one of them will strike out in free agency and need a face-saving trade to rescue the summer. Paul is a face-saving trade target.

The Charlotte Hornets would definitely be interested in trading for Paul, especially if All-Star guard Kemba Walker leaves in free agency. However, the Rockets have made it clear that they will only be willing to trade their players for deals that have equal value. With that said, unless Charlotte can convince Kemba to a sign-and-trade, nothing will materialize.

The Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks will explore the possibility of acquiring Paul as well, but given the fact that they are reportedly going after a trade for New Orleans Pelicans' Anthony Davis, they will not part ways with any of young assets and picks unless they fail to nab the All-NBA forward.

On the other hand, the Phoenix Suns reportedly have no interest in signing Paul. However, that could still change depending on the team's search for a playmaker this summer.

The Miami Heat will look to unload some of their big contracts this summer, so it will not make sense for them to trade for CP3 either, as he's still owed $120 million over the next three years.

The Rockets will find it difficult to look for a trade partner that will be willing to part ways with picks and assets for an aging veteran with a huge contract. Paul could still end up playing in Houston next season.