Getty ImagesWould Danny Ainge (middle) trade Rajon Rondo (left) for Chris Paul?

The Boston Celtics, who already have one of the best point guards in the NBA, are interested in making an upgrade by acquiring the New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul and would be willing to give up Rajon Rondo to get him, sources have told ESPN's Chris Broussard.

The sources say the Celtics are having internal discussions regarding a swap of marquee point guards.

According to an SI.com report, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is "highly motivated" to land Paul. The report says the Hornets don't appear interested in a two-team deal in which Rondo and Paul would switch places. So Ainge has been trying to find a third team to get involved.

Paul can become a free agent after this season, so the Celtics also would have to convince him to sign an extension with them before giving up Rondo, who has four years and approximately $46 million left on his contract.

Paul was asked earlier Tuesday at a charity event in New York City about speculation that he could soon leave the Hornets.

"I try not to pay attention to all that different type of stuff," Paul told ESPN New York. "My heart is in New Orleans."