Chris Paul is on the trading block (shocking, I know), but with CP3's deal up at the end of the year and with Paul having announced his intentions to leave the New Orleans Hornets, it's completely understandable.
Still, the Hornets are trying to get the best deal they can for Paul, and for good reason. In six NBA seasons (all with the Hornets), Paul has averaged 18.7 points, 9.9 assists and 2.4 steals in 425 games. Superstar? You bet.
As of Thursday morning, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly the most likely destinations for Paul in a trade. Boston general manager Danny Ainge's pursuit of Paul, who he would ultimately trade Rajon Rondo and others for, has been well publicized, despite Ainge's reaffirmation of faith in Rondo as the Celtics' point guard.
Various executives believe that the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are thus the two most likely landing spots for Paul, but sources with knowledge of New Orleans' thinking said late Wednesday that the Hornets are prepared to wait for offers to improve, convinced that they they're getting low-ball proposals at this early stage of the process based on the external belief that they're so motivated to move Paul they will rush into a deal. (via ESPN)
The Celtics' current offer for Paul reportedly features Rondo, the rights to restricted free agent Jeff Green and two first-round draft picks, is the strongest offer according to ESPN. However, it would be a risky move for the Celtics.
The Celtics, sources say, are currently presenting the strongest offer, which features Rajon Rondo, Jeff Green and two first-round picks. As the Paul pursuer most willing to trade for the All-Star point guard with zero assurance that Paul will stay beyond this season, Boston is also trying to concoct multi-team scenarios that would help the Hornets come away with the package they desire for Paul, featuring at least one established veteran to help them stay relevant, one up-and-coming talent and draft picks.
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