And just like that, the rumors are dead. Chris Paul, rumored to have been a top target of the Boston Celtics, reportedly would not sign a long term extension with the team, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.
Celtics GM Danny Ainge was reportedly pushing hard to land Paul, according to multiple reports that surfaced on Tuesday night. In exchange for Paul, Ainge was willing to offer young star Rajon Rondo, but the New Orleans Hornets were apparently not willing to deal Paul for Rondo straight up.
Rondo also had his name tied to the Indiana Pacers, who Yahoo! Sports basketball guru Adrian Wojnarowski wrote were interested in Rondo. It was unclear what the Pacers were willing to trade or Rondo, but appeared likely that they would bring in a third team to give Boston the talent it wanted in return.
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