Even if neither guy resigns after this season, think of the cap space the Celtics will have next year.

I'm not sure how the number zero is enticing.

Anways CP3 is definitely not on the market anymore. The Clippers aren't moving him unless he suddenly convinces them he won't possibly sign a new contract after this year.

Well no, with the money we'd have comitted to Paul (or Rondo if either is traded), KG, Jet, Jeff Green, and Bass we wouldn't have adequated cap if CP3 or D12 left us.

Either way, CP3 was pretty upfront last offseason that he wanted no part of the Celtics. I'm tired of people pining for these players who don't want to play here. We're the most storied franchise in league history, we have talented players - we shouldn't be reduced to begging prima donna starts to play here. Honestly, give me Rondo and Pierce who actually want to be here.

Yeah it's absolutely a no-brainer.  Only someone with no brain would trade Rondo for one-shot at a championship and cap space.  I doubt either Dwight or Paul would be a significant upgrade over Rondo in the short term, and good luck paying a max contract (lot more than what Rondo is making) for someone half as good as Rondo in the free-agency.  see Lopez, Brook.

Even if neither guy resigns after this season, think of the cap space the Celtics will have next year.

Not sure about you, but I am tired of seeing their cap space tied up in the same guys these last 5 years.

Also, doesn't landing a guy like Paul OR Howard make you an instant championship contender this year?

I know the Hornets weren't interested in Rondo but imagine him and Griffin playing side by side. I bring up Chris Paul because he'll be a free agent next year and didn't accept a contract extension offered by the Clippers.

As for Dwight Howard, if the Celtics could land him without giving up Rondo, the Celtics become signficiantly better than Miami.

A lineup of Rondo, Terry/Bradley, Green, KG/Bass and Dwight is better than LBJ, Wade, Bosh, Chalmers and Anthony (IMO.)

  Chris Paul has been in the league for 7 years and he's never been on a contending team. How would signing him make a team an instant contender?

  Unless you're talking about the Celts in particular, who are already contenders without him.

not worth it. cp3 and howard dont want to be celtics. nuff said

Our biggest enemy is the Miami heat and you want to trade away the one guy that absolutely cuts them up on a consistent basis??

Rondo nearly beat them by himself in game 2. He deserved to win that game. That was one of the all time great performances.

I've immediately dismissed all Rondo trade ideas this summer, but for whatever reason - I'm going to go with boredom - I did read this.

To be fair, I'm guessing Rondo would be enough for Howard. Reasonable contract, significantly better building block than Lopez, and he's entertaining enough to sell tickets and jerseys. Compared to what's out there for Orlando it's a win.

The Celtics take a yuge gamble. You're really hoping that Howard can't walk away from the money and/or he's afraid that Kevin Garnett will hunt him down, and wear his skin as blanket if he'd leave.

Defensively, Garnett and Howard would be incredible. Could not be possible understated. Insanely good. Howard, Garnett. Honestly, give it a good thought.

Offensively, I think as a combination they'd work well together. KG wouldn't be forced to play post as much, and he'd get a good deal of open looks from the elbow on kickouts from Howard. Likewise, I think Howard would greatly benefit from a skilled passer like Garnett who'd catch him for some really easy looks.

Elsewise, I'm not sure the offense would be enough:

Terry
Bradley / Green
Pierce / Green
KG
Howard

Those are five capable offensive players, but it really lacks a player that could create for them. Pierce can get his own shot. Garnett can get hot in he post when he opts for it. But outside of that, are guys who need a player like Rondo to shoot.

So, I'm not sure. But I am bored at work. That's for sure.