With Chris Paul three-team trade talks between the Hornets, Lakers and Rockets falling apart, Dell Demps will need to return to the negotiating table with other teams.

But the way the NBA killed Thursday's agreed upon trade will make it difficult for teams to trust the process.

"My initial reaction is, 'Who wants to go through that headache with the NBA playing God?'" said a front office executive of the situation.

The front office and coaching staff of the Hornets is understandably devastated over what has transpired since Thursday, culminating in their deal with the Lakers falling apart.

The Hornets delivered a reconstructed deal on Saturday, but the NBA still refused to approve it.

Los Angeles was going to receive Paul, along with Jason Smith and Marcus Banks, who would arrive via sign-and-trade.

Houston agreed to send Kevin Martin, Luis Scola and a 2012 first round pick to the Hornets.

The Lakers would send Lamar Odom to the Hornets, Pau Gasol to the Rockets, and the Lakers were pursuing a first round pick to include for the Hornets.

The NBA was clearly dictating terms of the possible trade of Paul to the Lakers.