It now appears the C's might be one of the front-runners to land the point guard. According to multiple reports, the Celtics engaged in discussions with the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday, and remain among the most serious suitors for the four-time All-Star.
SI.com's Sam Amick reports that a deal would include Rajon Rondo, a 2012 top-10 protected first-round pick that the C's received from the Clippers, second-year guard Avery Bradley and rookie guard E'Twaun Moore. Amick reports that restricted free agent Jeff Green could also be part of the deal.
The Clippers and Warriors are considered serious suitors for Paul, as well.
Amick reports that the Warriors' offer includes Stephen Curry, rookie guard Klay Thompson and second-year forward Ekpe Udoh. There's apparently conflicting reports when it comes to the Clippers' offer, although Eric Gordon, Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan have all had their names tossed around.
The Lakers, Mavericks and Rockets are also reportedly interested in Paul, but Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski says that talks between the Hornets and Lakers have gathered little, if any, traction.
According to Wojnarowski, the Clippers' and Warriors' packages are the most intriguing packages to Hornets general manager Dell Demps, and Paul has indicated that the Clippers and Warriors would significantly increase their chances of keeping him beyond this season if they also sign center Tyson Chandler.
Amick disputes that report, though, saying that a source has indicated that the Warriors haven't received that message, and that the Clippers have no interest in signing Chandler.
At this point, there's obviously more questions than answers when it comes to Paul's future. But while there's a lot of other variables involved, C's fans are suddenly facing a situation where they have to decide who's their guy, Rondo or CP3.
Either way, it's better than dealing with legalese when it comes to talking basketball, right?
