NOH getting Ariza is along the same lines of the Cavs getting Jamison, only the Cavs gave up less and Jamison is more an impact player.
Paul may be temporarily happy with a move because it appears to be proactive, but the fact of the matter is Ariza is an overpaid role player on a long term deal. The Hornets best bet at fielding a contender with Paul required them getting a good return on Collison(or at least being able to shed Okafor with him).
Once this move fails to significantly improve the Hornets, which I think it will, Paul will want out more than ever.
You are mistaken about my post. Getting Ariza was a big part for the Hornets, but it wasn't the part of the trade that affects Paul the most. It's getting rid of Collison, who will be a starter in Indiana. Because let's face it, with Collison as his backup, Chris Paul becomes less important. He's a great player, but Collison could easily become the #1 point guard on that team if the Hornets decided to trade Paul.
Now, there is no Collison, so the Hornets are essentially saying it's Paul or bust. As for Ariza--don't discount the fact that a player was needed to complete the trade and Ariza probably was the only one that could fit the parameters of the deal with all the different participants. It may seem like a straight-forward deal, but it was probably pretty complicated. The Hornets needed a wing player badly--they basically had Peja and that's it--that's awful. Ariza isn't great, but he's better than what they had.
Talent for talent, though, I'd say yes, the Hornets got shafted. But this trade was more than just talent for talent.
