Report: Celtics Looking to Trade Rajon Rondo For Chris Paul

It’s trade rumor season, ladies and gentlemen. And according to Sports Illustrated, the Celtics are embracing the spirit wholeheartedly, reportedly looking to move their star point guard in a deal that’d net them a separate, equally (or even more) coveted star point guard: “According to numerous sources with knowledge of the situation, Boston general manager Danny Ainge is highly motivated to land an even better point guard than the one who led the Celtics to a championship in 2008 and an average of 58.5 wins in the last four seasons: New Orleans’ Chris Paul. Ainge, the sources say, has recently discussed trading Rondo in a deal that nets Paul, but the Hornets don’t appear interested in a two-team deal in which Rondo — who has four years worth approximately $46 million left on his contract — and Paul would switch places. So Ainge has been on the prowl for a third team that could provide the sort of young pieces Hornets general manager Dell Demps would covet as part of his possible rebuilding plan. The more pressing question, of course, is whether Paul, who can become a free agent after this season, would consider signing an extension with Boston. While ESPN reports that New York tops Paul’s wish list because of the chance to form a Big Three with Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, Paul would have a chance to take the Big Four — joining Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen — to a new level in Beantown. Without Paul agreeing to an extension, however, the sources say Ainge will not do the deal.”