The article states that Pau Gasol is apparently expected to opt in to his $16 mil salary for next season. If he does, that will make signing Chris Paul very tricky.
If the Celtics strike out in free agency, would the Celtics be interested in acquiring Pau for the 1 year, $16 mil left on his deal? Him and Al would be a very good offensive frontcourt. We'd be slightly on the slow side on the perimeter, but would much improve our interior offense and rebounding.