ESPN.com has released two articles in the last two days with a focus on “Summer Forecasts.” The first, titled “Team Turnaround” spoke to the none-too-thinly-valued topic of which teams would rebound in ‘09. The later, labeled “Team Turmoil” attempted to play NBA Nostradamus deciding which teams would struggle early.

Which list were the Hornets on?

Trick Question: The correct answer is neither. It appears that even the pundits at ESPN have no clue where the Hornets will shake out in this year’s mix.

In a move to free up some payroll following the recent trade for Emeka Okafor, the Hornets will be unloading swingman Rasual Butler to the Clippers for a future second-round pick.

Butler, who is slated to make a cool $3.9 million next season, was sought by L.A.’s “other team” for his shooting ability as well as his flexibility between the SG and SF positions.  By making this deal New Orleans will save in the neighborhood of $8 million.

That’s a lot of gumbo.

As the Cavs look forward to the NBA tip-off on October 27th where they will be the featured act taking on the Boston Celtics, they will have all too much time on their hands to ponder the future plans of their King.

LeBron James has made it relatively clear that he will not sign the contract extension that has been offered to him by Cleveland and will almost certainly be testing the free-agency waters at the end of next season.

Better hope those rings come to Ohio in 2010, it may be a while before the Buckeye State has another run at an NBA title.

Emeka Okafor, traded from the Charlotte Bobcats for center Tyson Chandler a week ago, has already found things to be different despite his very short time in New Orleans.

ESPN.com reports that his first dinner with Hornets executives was held at one of Emeril Lagasse’s downtown restaurants did the trick.

“I actually had rabbit gumbo,” Okafor said Tuesday afternoon, when the Hornets formally introduced him as their new starting center. “I wasn’t aware I even like rabbit, so there you go.”

Okafor also talked some basketball saying how committed he is to his teams and, though he was not looking to leave the Bobcats, he is excited about his new change in circumstance and will give his all to New Orleans. He also added the importance of playing on a team with experienced players who have set goals not to merely make the playoffs, but also to go deep.

“(Chris Paul) is one of the premier point guards in the league, and having a good experienced point guard makes all the difference in the world,” the former UConn man noted.