Using Clippers as the third team in a CP3 trade

[snively]

With multiple reports identifying the Clippers, Warriors and Celtics as the leading suitors for CP3, I think the C's best chance might be working with the Clippers.

I don't consider the Warriors a serious contender, as I don't believe they would offer CP3 a desirable situation going forward; too similar to the team he's leaving.

I do think the Clippers have the best shot with that Minny pick and their attractive young core (CP3 should have little problem playing alongside Griffin and Gordon for the next few years), but I'm not sure if they're as willing as the Celtics to risk losing Paul in 2012.

And, most importantly, I think the Clippers might be scared off the cost overruns of maintaining CP3, a soon to be maxed out Gordon and Griffin and a well-paid starting center (either Jordan or Okafor).  

Thus, I think Rondo could be a very attractive alternate offer for the Clippers.  With Gordon, Ariza and Griffin at the 2-4, Rondo's lack of shooting/scoring relative to CP3 would be of less concern and his uptempo brilliance would be of extraordinary value.  His cost-controlled contract would also help Sterling maintain a contender without risking a prolonged adventure in luxury tax hell.    

Clippers send: Aminu, Bledsoe, Minny pick
Clippers receive: Rondo, Ariza

Celtics send: Rondo, Green, Clippers pick, 2012 pick
Celtics receive: Chris Paul

Hornets send: Paul, Ariza
Hornets receive: Aminu, Bledsoe, Green, Minny pick, Clippers pick, 2012 pick

[Boris Badenov]

Clippers send: Aminu, Bledsoe, Minny pick
Clippers receive: Rondo, Ariza

Celtics send: Rondo, Green, Clippers pick, 2012 pick
Celtics receive: Chris Paul, Ariza

Hornets send: Paul
Hornets receive: Aminu, Bledsoe, Green, Minny pick, Clippers pick, 2012 pick

I like the Clips idea - Rondo would fit well with Griffin and Gordon, I think, so he should have value to them.

But is cloning Trevor Ariza is a necessary part of the deal?

[Fafnir]

That could work, but my bet is that the Clippers would balk at giving up such assets for anything but CP3.

[Greenbean]

I think the Clips would hesitate to give up that much for Rondo unless they are as high on him as we are here at CB...

Also, who gets Ariza, Boston or the Clips?

[snively]

Clippers send: Aminu, Bledsoe, Minny pick
Clippers receive: Rondo, Ariza

Celtics send: Rondo, Green, Clippers pick, 2012 pick
Celtics receive: Chris Paul, Ariza

Hornets send: Paul
Hornets receive: Aminu, Bledsoe, Green, Minny pick, Clippers pick, 2012 pick

I like the Clips idea - Rondo would fit well with Griffin and Gordon, I think, so he should have value to them.

But is cloning Trevor Ariza is a necessary part of the deal?

Haha!  I'll edit that