Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
There is also a small handful of teams that has informed the Hornets they are prepared to trade for Paul with no assurance that they can keep him beyond this season. That list, sources say, includes the Rockets, Boston Celtics and defending champion Dallas Mavericks.
Each of those teams would be gambling that Paul would be won over by his new surroundings and either elect to play out the final season of his current contract (valued at $17.8 million in 2012-13) or opt out of his contract on July 1, 2012, and sign a new deal. Paul's 2011-12 salary is listed at $16.4 million.
ESPN: Sources: Hornets may deal Chris Paul
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
I'm calling BS on this rumor right now. The Celtics may be willing to trade Rondo for Chris Paul. They may love the idea. They may have initiated the talks. But there is no way, no chance, no how, that the Celtics would mortgage their future on the off chance that Chris Paul would fall in love with Boston so much he'd sign here long term.
Why? Because you have a guy in Rondo who is (a) pretty damn good and (b) locked up long term for comparatively cheap money. You don't just throw that away for one year of Chris Paul. Yes, CP3 is the overall better player, but he's not worth throwing it all way for just on the possibility that he'll stick around.
Rumor season produces some asinine stuff (this crap from Chris Broussard chief among them), but the rush to get these stories out tendds to overlook good sense and reason.
Related links: ESPN Boston: Video: Should C's swap Rondo for CP3 | Is Paul worth the 1 year rental?
On Page 2: Leon Powe may be coming back
I know we're anti-undersized guy around here lately, but a guy like Leon Powe coming off the bench could be a huge help. He could play the four effectively, leaving Jeff Green to play the 3.
Jeff Green's biggest problem is playing the 4 spot. If the Celtics can do something to give him fewer minutes at the 4, then they'll be alright. And we still love Leon around here. He's a tough bastard with a knack for finding the ball. I'm sure we can find a slot for him.
The rest of the links:
WEEI: Would Vince Carter make sense for the Celtics | Imaginary 2011-2012 roster | Herald: Ainge, Celtics make first contact with Davis | Ainge works the phone, while few Celtics hit the floor | Globe: Free agency has created a buzz | CSNNE: Ainge wastes no time in pursuit of Big Baby
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