New Orleans Hornets' free agents David West, Carl Landry and Jason Smith apparently in demand

The agents for former Hornets power forwards David West, Carl Landry and Jason Smith both said Sunday that the team seems very interested in bringing all three players back for this season. However, Lance Young, who represents West, and Mark Bartelstein, the agent for Landry and Smith, said that their clients are in high demand throughout the league.
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Bartelstein said Sunday that Hornets General Manager Dell Demps, who could not be reached for comment, also has inquired about two of Bartenstein’s other clients, shooting guards Shannon Brown of the Lakers and Nick Young of the Wizards.(...)

Lance Young said Sunday he has spoken to numerous teams about West, including the Hornets, and expects the contact to increase the next two days.

“I’ve been talking to David quite a bit,” Young said, “trying to figure out where his head is. I’ve had follow-up conversations with four or five (teams). And then I talked to several teams who might be interested in a sign-and-trade and things like that. I think people have been playing it close to the vest to see how this plays out.”

Young said the Hornets were still very much in the hunt for West as the team attempts to sort out the situation with All-Star point guard Chris Paul.

“I think they’re trying to figure out what happens with Chris,” Young said, “and if that trade or anything else happens, and who comes back, that will determine where David’s head is, too. I think there are a lot of unknowns now. Obviously, I think David would love Chris to stay, but he understands when people want to move. David wants to win. If Chris thinks he can’t win in New Orleans, then he probably wants to leave.

“David’s in the same boat. If he feels like he can win in New Orleans, he wants to be there. If he feels like he can win somewhere else, and they offer him something, he’s going to look at that, too. He’s open to a lot of different things.”

Teams reportedly interested in West include Indiana, Golden State and Washington. Young said the Hornets have told him they’d be open to a sign-and-trade for West if West decides not to return to New Orleans.

“The Hornets want him back first and foremost,” Young said. “That’s their priority.”

Bartelstein said he got the indication from Demps that the Hornets weren’t waiting to see what West’s decision might be, and that the New Orleans wants both West and Landry on the roster this season, as well as Smith.