Louis Amundson is expected to sign with either the Warriors, Hornets or Pacers this week.

"We're getting close to doing something," said Mark Bartelstein, his agent. "I think we'll get something done with Louis this week."

The Hornets have signed guard Mustafa Shakur to a partially-guaranteed contract for the 2010-11 season.

Shakur has played in seven NBA games (Spurs and Timberwolves) in addition to time in both Europe and the NBA Developmental League.

Darren Collison appeared on 1070 The Fan (Indianapolis) this week and was asked how he felt when he learned he'd been dealt to the Pacers.

"I actually thought I got traded there earlier in the summer, but I guess my GM told me it was a rumor or something like that," Collison said.

"I thought I got traded to Indiana. Indiana was in great talks to try and get me there. I really didn't pay too much attention to it because at the end of the day it was just rumors and you really don't know too much about it until it actually goes through."

The Hornets are not interested in signing free agent Allen Iverson, Marc Stein of ESPN.com is reporting.

"In response to tweet called to my attention, I've been assured Hornets have not/will not express interest in Iverson. No word yet from ORL," Stein wrote on his Twitter page.

Free agent forward Louis Amundson remains on the market, but Marc Stein of ESPN.com is reporting that may change soon.

The Hornets, Pacers and Warriors are known to have interest in Amundson and he is nearing a decision, according to a source.

There is also an unidentified fourth team in the mix.

A different source claimed that Golden State and New Orleans were making the biggest push, but that Indiana hasn't been quiet about their desire for a forward after dealing Troy Murphy last week.

Trevor Ariza was traded to the Hornets on Wednesday as part of a four-team trade.

His departure may help team chemistry, as Ariza reportedly had a 'troubled relationship' with Aaron Brooks.

Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul were at Harlem's famed Rucker Park on Friday for a basketball clinic put on by Nike.

Anthony can hit the free agent market next year and Paul's time in New Orleans has been rocky as of late. The pair were asked by reporters about their NBA futures.

Neither Anthony or Paul would comment.

Chris Paul called newly acquired teammate Trevor Ariza to welcome him to the Hornets.

Ariza says Paul communicated that he wants to win big and that simply making the playoffs is not sufficient.

"He was excited," Ariza said. "He said, 'I?m all about winning. I?ll do everything to win. I?m just more hungry now. Just getting to the playoffs is not good enough for me.'"

Ariza takes Paul's outreach as a good sign.

"Him just calling me let me know he was comfortable where he is and with the steps the organization is taking."

New Hornets' GM Dell Demps has been in frequent communication with Chris Paul as Demps pursues moves to improve the team's roster.

As of early Thursday morning, neither Paul nor his older brother and manager C.J. Paul had made any comment on their Twitter pages about the two trades completed by the Hornets on Wednesday.

"We exchanged numerous texts, and he said he wanted to be involved in the process," Demps said of Paul. "We thought that this was a good opportunity to involve him. It?s a player?s league, it?s a player?s game, why not ask the guys that are playing?  It was not running (the trade) by him, but asking questions. You can never ask too many questions."

Demps said that the decision to part with Darren Collison in order to bring back Trevor Ariza was a difficult one.

"It was tough to trade Darren, it was really hard to do that," Demps said. "It?s one of those situations where it?s a win-win for everyone. Darren?s going to get the opportunity to go play at Indiana. They called on him numerous times. From the moment I started (in the latter half of July), he?s been getting so many calls. But I think he?s in a situation where he?ll (thrive).

"Trevor Ariza is a player that we as an organization, we went to get him. He?s an exciting young player. He is what we identify as a young veteran, a young player in the league that also has a number of years in the league. We see him as an integral part of our team moving forward. ... We felt Trevor added an element to the team that was much needed at the wing position. He?s a terrific defender, he?s athletic, he can get up and down the court. He?s also a very good offensive player. He checks a lot of boxes when he plays the game of basketball."

Demps and Hornets' vice president of player personnel Gerald Madkins were scouts working under Isiah Thomas in New York when the Knicks drafted Ariza in 2004.

"We have a long history with Trevor," Madkins said. "We?re really comfortable with what he brings. The versatility that he adds to the roster almost made it a no-brainer."

With Collison gone, new assistant general manager Tim Connelly spoke about the need to add a back-up point guard to relieve pressure on Paul, who is coming off a significant knee injury.

"That?s a real priority for us," Connelly said. "I think there are some quality guys out there, someone who can come in and complement Chris and not run up his minutes, put the wear and tear on his body. That?s our guy, and we?ve got to make sure he stays healthy."

Demps also commented on his second major acquisition, Maro Belinelli, who was acquired in exchange for Julian Wright.  

"Marco is an excellent shooter who can help spread the floor and give us added depth in the backcourt," Demps said.

The Hornets have agreed to trade forward Julian Wright to the Raptors in exchange for guard Marco Belinelli, according to sources.

The deal comes on the heels of New Orleans sending guard Darren Collison to Indiana in a four-team trade.