Chris Paul is not interested in signing an extension with the Celtics, according to a source close to the situation.

Boston has been mentioned as a team that is angling to execute a trade for Paul.

Chris Broussard reported on Monday that Paul's preference is to end up with the Knicks and that he would also consider the Clippers.

The Pacers have emerged as a suitor for Rajon Rondo, according to sources.

Officials from the Pacers have been making calls to gather insight into Rondo's reputation over the past few days.

While Indiana and the Celtics have talked about the preliminary framework of a deal, two sources say a third team would be needed to consummate the deal.

Boston is likely attempting to acquire enough pieces to eventually land Chris Paul.

The Celtics have been discussing trading Rajon Rondo for Chris Paul, according to sources. But the Hornets don't appear interested in a two-team deal.

Danny Ainge has been searching for a third team that would give the Hornets young pieces that would help Dell Demps in his rebuilding plan.

It is also unclear whether Paul would agree to an extension, something Ainge would need to execute a trade.

Chris Paul was in Brooklyn on Tuesday in support of a Carmelo Anthony charity event at the Boys & Girls Club.

Paul was asked about the Knicks.

"My heart is in New Orleans," said Paul.

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported on Monday that Paul's preference is to end up with the Knicks.

The New York Knicks are Chris Paul's preferred destination, according to sources.

Paul is willing to wait until becoming a free agent next summer to sign with the Knicks.

Paul would also consider signing with the Clippers, but their first is to sign Dwight Howard with their cap space.

The owners dropped their insistence that extend-and-trade deals be excluded from a new collective bargaining agreement. This was commonly referred to as the Carmelo Anthony Rule.

This will allow 2012 free agents Dwight Howard, Deron Williams and Chris Paul to leverage their way to new situations while being eligible to sign four-year extensions.

LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony are staging a four-game "Homecoming Tour".

The slate of games will begin on December 1st in Akron, followed by a December 4th game in New Orleans, a December 7th game in Chicago and a December 10th game in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Proceeds from the tour will go to food drives, educational outreach programs and clinics.

"It'll be very neat," Wade told The Associated Press. "First of all, this is something we talked about doing a long time ago as players. To have an opportunity to go to these different cities that we're from, to bring basketball to them at a high level and also have a charitable component in each city and to be with the guys, it'll be cool. It's something we're looking forward to."

Chris Bosh is also expected to play in all four games.

The Hornets are spending their time during the lockout scouting college players and observing coaching staffs.

Monty Williams has made visits to Tulane and LSU, while Dell Demps has made trips to North Carolina and Duke. 

“We’ve sent everybody out to bring back information to see what we can use,’’ Williams said. “It’s been really good for me because I’m still trying to get better at my craft.

“What happened last year was special, not only for me as a coach but for our players, and we want to build on that. The only way we can do that is continue to work by research and talking to people who know more.’’

Williams said he also meets with his staff once a week at the Alario Center.

“For me, it’s all about preparation and being ready when called,” Williams said.

Chris Broussard of ESPN reports several particulars of the owners' new proposal.

There will be an annual mini-midlevel for luxury tax teams at $3 million. The previous offer included an offer at $2.5 million every other year.

Luxury tax teams will also be able to execute a sign-and-trade during the first two years of the new deal. This two-year grace period clearly makes a huge impact on the NBA landscape because of the impending 2012 free agencies of Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Deron Williams.

The union contends that the problem is that the owners changed the definition of tax payer in such a way where Bird Rights would be destroyed.

Multiple sources report that the salary cap figure will remain level this season, at $58 million, and projections are that the cap for the 2012-13 season would be approximately $60 million to $61 million.

“That’s what we’ve been discussing, though the exact dollar amount is not set until the new deal is done,’’ one league source said.

If these numbers hold up, the Knicks would have significant room under the cap next summer when Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Dwight Howard are slated to hit the free-agent market.