The Clippers' trade talks for Chris Paul died again late on Monday, according to a source.

When given permission to speak with Paul, the point guard expressed excitement to the Clippers about playing with Eric Gordon and the potential of having a high first round pick from the Wolves, say sources.

The Clippers are concerned that surrendering both of those assets would compromise their ability to retain Paul in the long-term.

The Hornets and Clippers have held discussions that are built around Chris Kaman, Eric Bledsoe, Al-Farouq Aminu, along with Gordon and the 2012 pick from Minnesota.

Sources say the Clippers are resisting giving up Gordon and that management has promised they won't include him in any deal for Paul. If he is retained, the team is hoping to sign him to a long-term extension.

Further complicating the situation is that many people around the league are skeptical of the NBA's true intentions on whether they actually want to trade Paul. The concern is that the NBA may be trying to protect themselves against legal liability by publicly attempting to trade Paul after they vetoed a deal last week involving the Lakers.