Celtics, Warriors in lead for Paul?

[bagwell368]

So much for plans to rename Staples Center the Paul-y Pavilion.
Within the past 72 hours, both the Lakers and Clippers slammed the windows and double bolted the doors on struggles to procure Chris Paul from the Hornets.
With the remarkable point guard’s destination back in limbo, the Lakers and Clippers moved ahead with more pressing business, but figure to get back to Paul now that the angel dust has settled.
Despite Dwight Howard’s abrupt change-of-drivel lip-fake yesterday to stay put in Orlando (if he can also be GM or ease media pressure), the Purple Majesty remains resolute to shake him loose from the Magic. Hence, their acquisition of added resources -- a $9M trade exception and a No. 1 pick from the Mavericks for Lamar Odom -- to parlay with Andrew Bynum to make a more tempting offer.

AP
DESTINATION UNKNOWN: Now that the Lakers and Clippers have all but bowed out of the race to land Chris Paul from New Orleans, Boston and Golden State could be in good position to deal for the star point guard.
If that happens, fine. Otherwise, it’s like Sugar Ray Leonard giving Tommy Hearns a chin.
My Paper Clips countered by collecting an additional asset as well. Yesterday afternoon they were awarded Chauncey Billups off the amnesty waiver wire because their $2 million bid was the highest submitted; the Knicks now owe him $12.2 million.
I know that Billups warned he’d retire if he couldn’t play for the team (Heat or Lakers) of his choice. He may be ticked off, but if he decides to retire he’ll forfeit his entire $14.2 million salary for this season.
I have a hunch lobbing balls to Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan (matched the Warriors’ $42.7 million, 4-year offer sheet) and Caron Butler will appeal to him once he has a chance to think it over.
At any rate, contrary to Howard, who told Orlando’s despondent correspondents, “If it’s meant for me to stay here, I’ll stay stay … if they’re willing to do what it takes to win.”
Paul has not reversed field regarding wanting out of New Orleans. Initially blessed with overriding leverage and exhilarating options, CP$’s, relocation program has narrowed to the Celtics (Rajon Rondo continues to be available) and the Warriors (NOLA wants Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins and rookie Klay Thompson).
Of course, there’s always the chance a phantom team will scamper across the road in front of the Hornets like a deer in late fall dusk?
More likely, the fortified Clippers will resurface and turn over Eric Gordon (asking between $13-$15M per to extend long-term), Chris Kaman (closing out contract at $12.7M), Eric Bledsoe, Al-Farouq Aminu and Minnesota’s 2012 first-round real estate.
The Knicks were never a real relocation site this season. And now that Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler are on the books next season for $53 million and beyond (annual increases) the only way he can transform it into a fearsome foursome is to accept a three-year mid-level exception.


Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/paul_of_confusion_wK1uko3V1atBTgNkbfmHzI#ixzz1gS6Nci8X

from the post.

[hardlyyardley]

Could this be behind Green's mystery ailment that is holding up finalizing his contract?

[Evantime34]

I've had enough, let's roll with what we got and go from there. I'm tired of having my hopes up then being crushed.

[17wasEZ]

Could this be behind Green's mystery ailment that is holding up finalizing his contract?

Great! Just what we need...........more Paul talk>   

[BballTim]

Could this be behind Green's mystery ailment that is holding up finalizing his contract?

  No, I'm pretty sure he's with the team now.

[Roy H.]

This sounds like speculation to me.  Regardless, I don't see the league trading CP3 for Rondo + Bradley + picks.

[Fafnir]

This sounds like speculation to me.  Regardless, I don't see the league trading CP3 for Rondo + Bradley + picks.

Nope, not that Jeff Green is all that important to the earlier proposed package.

If NOH/League had any interest in Rondo they would have been engaging in trade talks by now.

[RajonRondOWNED]

Just stop people.

[BballTim]

This sounds like speculation to me.  Regardless, I don't see the league trading CP3 for Rondo + Bradley + picks.

  Just to be a jerk, though, Dell should submit a deal of CP3 and 3 first rounders for Rondo and Sheed in a sign and trade.

[j804]

In lead of who exactly ?

rofl

[Chris]

I think Wyc needs to put together a portfolio of all of the reports that Paul does not want to come to Boston, give them to Stern with a post-it that says "Wanna show him who's in charge?"

[Corey]

Green was with the team, and participated in non-contact drills.

Put this to rest already.

-No need for language- Faf

[Jon]

This sounds like speculation to me.  Regardless, I don't see the league trading CP3 for Rondo + Bradley + picks.

The only thing is that Rondo is probably the biggest "star" that's been mentioned in any of the trade talks that would actually end up on the Hornets. 

While the collective packages of the Clippers and Lakers may have been better, if the league is looking to market the Hornets to sell them, Rondo is an exciting player to watch and has a ton of national recognition due to the C's recent success.

According to this CNBC article, Rondo had the #3 selling in the NBA last year. 

http://www.cnbc.com/id/42568279

So there's definitely appeal to the Hornets landing him from a financial standpoint. 

The question is, can the league justify it now that it's shot down the Lakers deal?   

[PosImpos]

Yeah, the league has put itself in a corner, because it refused a heck of a deal from the Clippers, and now there aren't any teams left that would be willing to offer anything better.

[PosImpos]

This sounds like speculation to me.  Regardless, I don't see the league trading CP3 for Rondo + Bradley + picks.

The only thing is that Rondo is probably the biggest "star" that's been mentioned in any of the trade talks that would actually end up on the Hornets. 

While the collective packages of the Clippers and Lakers may have been better, if the league is looking to market the Hornets to sell them, Rondo is an exciting player to watch and has a ton of national recognition due to the C's recent success.

According to this CNBC article, Rondo had the #3 selling in the NBA last year. 

http://www.cnbc.com/id/42568279

So there's definitely appeal to the Hornets landing him from a financial standpoint. 

The question is, can the league justify it now that it's shot down the Lakers deal?   

it's interesting that rondo was the #3 sold jersey.  surprising. 

still, i don't see how the league could justify a deal centered around rondo when it wouldn't take a package including the t-wolves pick and / or eric gordon plus a couple other nice prospects from the clippers.

i don't think the league is interested in being seen as helping out a large market.  if paul is dealt anywhere, it won't be to a team in a large market, unless it's a step-sister like the clips.