NY, NY

Though the new collective bargaining has yet to be officially ratified, the NBA trade rumor mill has been abuzz with the New Jersey Nets pursuing star center Dwight Howard while the Boston Celtics look to remain competitive by seeking to land guard Chris Paul.

The Nets are prepared to make an enticing deal for Howard, featuring Brook Lopez, two first round picks and the chance to shed Hedo Turkoglu's expensive contract in exchange for the Orlando Magic center, according to ESPN.com, citing sources.

Mikhail Prokhorov's club is going all-in on getting a competitive team ready for their move to Brooklyn even to the extent of absorbing Turkoglu's bloated contract.

Apart from the need to make a splash in free agency, acquiring Howard is viewed as one of the Nets moves in showing that the organization is committed to building a championship-caliber team

It could sway Deron Williams to stay with the Nets.

With scenario of Howard and Williams being paired, the Nets could re-sign Kris Humpries to complement Howard's presence inside the paint, while playing Turkoglu at small forward.

It would translate to a tentative Nets starting lineup of Williams, Anthony Morrow, Turkoglu, Humphries and Howard.

Howard averages 18.2 ppg, 12.9 rpg and 2.2 blocks. He is shooting nearly 58 percent from the field, but logs in less than 60 percent from the line.

Compared to Lopez, Howard is a dominating presence in the paint and is better on the boards and defensively.

Meanwhile, the rebuilding Celtics, who are also looking to be competitive, are reportedly interested in making an upgrade at guard position by acquiring the New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul.

According to ESPN.com, citing sources, the Celtics are willing to deal Rajon Rondo, who helped lead Boston to a title in 2008, for star point guard and leader of the Hornets Paul.

The Hornets, however, are not interested in a two-deal, leaving Boston to try and seek a third team in realizing the swapping of marquee point guards.

Paul, who can become a free agent after this season, would also have to be convinced to sign an extension with the Celtics in the event they would give up Rondo.

That will also be a tough sell, as Paul reportedly isn't willing to sign an extension with the Celts.

Rondo has had success playing alongside superstars Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, but is unclear if he could still lead the charge the way he currently does if he goes to New Orleans, where he could be the only superstar.

Paul, on the other hand, has proven his leadership with or without other superstars around him. He has carried the heavy burden in keeping the Hornets among the top teams in the NBA for nearly a decade.

 

 

Should the Celtics trade Rondo for Chris Paul?

 

Kris Humphries Seeks Annulment From Kim Kardashian

Diane Alter

Los Angeles, CA - Kris Humphries doesn't want a divorce from Kim Kardashian; he wants an annulment.

The NBA star is seeking to annul his 72-day marriage to reality TV star Kim Kardashian, according to People magazine.

Humphries is said to have been "in utter horror" after watching the highly anticipated premiere of "Kourtney and Kim Take New York," which aired Sunday. He said creative editing portrayed him as the bad guy,

With an annulment, it would be as if the marriage never took place. The quicky 72-day union appears to qualify on that count.

 

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