Clippers Drop Trade Offer For Rivers
8:40pm: Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski writes that discussions between the Clippers and Celtics have stalled and the primary reason is Bledsoe.
The Clippers are willing to part with Jordan and a first round pick for Garnett and the rights to Rivers, but have refused to include Bledsoe in the package, according to Wojnarowski's sources. Garnett will only waive the no-trade clause in his contract if Rivers joins him with the Clippers, the sources added.
Danny Ainge has requested Bledsoe and a second first-round pick for Garnett and Rivers' rights, but everyone involved believes Bledsoe's inclusion would get the deal done.
Not only that, but sources tell Wojnarowski that Rivers has informed Clippers management they shouldn't give up Bledsoe so they can acquire him as coach, saying he'd like to coach him with the Clippers.
Rivers has yet to talk with Chris Paul about his plans for the summer and would need to do so, if he were to come west. It's believed that if Garnett and Rivers are traded to the Clippers that will lead Paul to sign with them in July.
It should also be noted that all sides involved in the trade discussions want to get a deal done soon, and don't want the discussions to linger much longer.
Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald confirms that the Celtics-Clippers deal appears dead for now and the only question is whether the trade discussions have made it too awkward for coach Rivers to return to the Celtics. Rivers has three years, at $7MM per, remaining on his contract.
8:10pm: The Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett reports that sources have told him the Celtics-Clippers trade talks are "dead," and now the bigger question is whether Doc will feel awkward he expressed interest in coaching another team (Twitter links).
7:42pm: Wojnarowski says discussions between the Clippers and Celtics have "stalled," and the question becomes how soon before one side–or both–bails (Twitter).
Wojo adds that throughout the back-and-forth with the Clippers, the Celtics have insisted to Doc Rivers that if it doesn't go through, they want him back as coach (Twitter).
7:34pm: Sources tell Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski the Clippers–Celtics trade for Rivers and Garnett is "not looking good, but I wouldn't say (it's over) for sure" (Twitter).
Wojnarowski continues to reiterate the primary obstacle standing in the way of the deal: the Clippers are unwilling to part with Jordan and Bledsoe, and sources tell Yahoo Sports that Celtics GM Danny Ainge wants Bledsoe. (Twitter).
Arash Markazi of ESPNLosAngeles.com says that the Clippers were looking for a long-term asset for Bledsoe (Twitter).
6:34pm: After flirting with the possibility of seizing Celtics coach, Doc Rivers, as well as Kevin Garnett, in a deal we've been following all day, it seems the Clippers will be moving on and will offer their head coaching position to either Brian Shaw or Lionel Hollins some time this week, according to the Los Angeles Times' Brad Turner (Twitter).
Rivers has been informed the Clippers won't accept the Celtics' offer, and he's prepared to stay with the Celtics moving forward (Twitter). Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com adds that the Clippers were very resistant to parting with DeAndre Jordan and Eric Bledsoe in the effort to acquire Rivers and Garnett since Garnett is only under contract for two more years and the younger Bledsoe is more valuable (Twitter).
Shelburne adds that the Clippers felt strong about the Hollins and Shaw coaching options and weren't ready to "mortgage the farm" for Doc (Twitter).
Latest On Clippers, Celtics Blockbuster Talks
4:40pm: The Clippers initially offered Bledsoe and Caron Butler to the Celtics, but the Celtics want Jordan and Bledsoe, tweets Shelburne, who adds that L.A. is trying to keep one of the two.
4:37pm: A source tells Baxter Holmes of the Boston Globe that he "guarantees" Paul will re-sign with the Clippers if Rivers comes to coach the team. Part of the Clippers' unwillingness to include Bledsoe in the deal has been concern over whether Paul, a free agent this summer, would be back, Holmes writes. Meanwhile, the Celtics have shifted their focus from trying to keep Rivers to working on a deal that sends him to the Clips, according to Holmes.
4:16pm: The Clippers would prefer to acquire both Garnett and Pierce if they can get Rivers, as Shelburne and Marc Stein write for ESPN.com. The Clippers aren't looking to relinquish Blake Griffin in these trade talks, preferring to strengthen their team around Paul and Griffin, according to the report. Shelburne also tweets that the Celtics are primarily focused on acquiring Jordan. If Garnett waives his no-trade clause to head to the Clippers, he'll forfeit about $1.17MM because of higher state taxes in California, according to noted sports accountant Robert Raiola (Twitter link; hat tip to Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun).
3:50pm: Garnett and Rivers are seen as a package deal, with each unwilling to go to the Clippers unless the other joins him, a source tells Shelburne, who hears that Paul Pierce might not be a part of the trade talks for now (Twitter links). Since the Clippers could sign Pierce as a free agent if the Celtics decide to waive him by June 30th, when the guarantee on his contract for next season jumps from $5MM to $15MM+, he's been in and out of trade discussions, Shelburne reports (Twitter links). The Clippers like Rivers, but they remain determined not to "mortgage the farm" in terms of compensation for Rivers, since Lionel Hollins was so impressive in his interview with the team yesterday, Shelburne also tweets. Ultimately, if a deal between the Clips and Celtics is to come together, it will happen by the middle of next week at the latest, according to Shelburne (Twitter link).
3:34pm: The Celtics and Clippers are discussing a deal that would send DeAndre Jordan and two first-round picks to Boston for Kevin Garnett and the right to hire Rivers as coach, writes Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Presumably, the picks and the rights to Rivers would be structured as one deal, while the players would technically be involved in a separate transaction, since a coach can't be traded for current players under NBA rules. Clippers owner Donald Sterling is prepared to pay Rivers about $7MM annually, which is what he's making with the Celtics, according to Wojnarowski.
The hang-up in the deal continues to be Celtics GM Danny Ainge's insistence that Eric Bledsoe be a part of the swap, Wojnarowski adds. While the Clippers appear unwilling to make that happen, Bledsoe would be all right with going to Boston, despite the presence of fellow point guard Rajon Rondo, a source tells Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com (Twitter link).
Rivers could be speaking with soon-to-be free agent Chris Paul today to get his assurance that he'd re-sign with the Clippers as long as Garnett and Rivers join him in L.A., as Wojnarowski also reports. Both Rivers and the Celtics want closure on the process, so there's pressure to complete the deal within two days.
Celts, Clips Build Momentum For Rivers, KG Deal
3:19pm: The final hurdle for a deal involving Garnett and Rivers is Ainge's desire for Bledsoe to be a part of the trade, Wojnarowski hears (Twitter link).
3:08pm: If the Clippers can work out a deal to acquire Rivers, Garnett would waive his no-trade clause to join the Clippers as well, tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
3:03pm: The Celtics and Clippers have begun discussing players who would be exchanged if the Celtics were to allow Doc Rivers to coach in L.A., reports Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald. Both sides are seeking common ground, though many moving parts remain. Technically, the Clippers could only send cash and draft picks in return for Rivers, but a side deal involving current players could be worked out.
Ainge appears to be using Rivers as leverage to get the Clippers to agree to a deal involving players that they wouldn't otherwise consider, according to Bulpett. Several in the Clippers front office were wary of a trade-deadline proposal that would have sent Kevin Garnett to the Clips in exchange for Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan. Vinny Del Negro, who's no longer with the Clippers, was one of the advocates for the deal, but L.A.'s management was never really interested, Bulpett writes.
The Celtics would prefer to keep Rivers, who still has three years and $21MM left on his deal, but now that they know he's wary of staying with them for the long haul, they're considering their options. Still, Rivers remains sentimental about the C's, and hopes a win-win can happen for both teams should a deal go down. A source tells Bulpett that if the Celtics and Clippers can't work anything out, Rivers would be happy to return to Boston's bench. Another of Bulpett's sources is uncertain of Rivers' regard for the Celtics, and believes he's merely trying to massage the perception of his exit.
We heard earlier today that Rivers, Garnett and Paul Pierce would like to stay together as Clippers if they can't do so as Celtics. Pierce could wind up with the Clippers as part of a trade, or they could sign him if the Celtics release him by June 30th, since his $15MM+ salary for next season is only guaranteed for $5MM until that date.
Doc, KG, Pierce Want Clips If They Can’t Stay Celts
There's a rising belief around the NBA that coach Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce all want to carry on as a trio with the Clippers if they can't roll on in Boston, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Stein sees it as a very possible scenario with a cash/draft pick driven deal for Rivers and separate trades for KG and Pierce without surrendering Blake Griffin (link).
That's not to say that there aren't stumbling blocks for the Clippers to clear before bringing the trio to Los Angeles. Rivers has an unusually strong non-compete clause in his contract that prohibits him from coaching elsewhere for the duration of the deal, which takes him through 2016. There's also a lot of salary that would have to go from L.A. to Boston to accomodate a deal with both Pierce and Garnett. The club could revisit talks from this past trade deadline that would have sent the duo to the Clippers in a package involving Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan.
Latest On Doc Rivers, Clippers
With rumors continuing to swirl about Doc Rivers' future, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times spoke to several NBA executives about the saga and about reports of mutual interest between Rivers and the Clippers. Here are the highlights from Turner's piece:
- Most of the executives who spoke to Turner agreed that the possibility of Rivers coaching the Clippers next season is "far-fetched." Asked if he could see Rivers joining the Clippers, one executive replied: "I don’t think so. It is very complicated. They [the Celtics] have a guy under contract. Maybe they’d let him out if this happened or that happened. It’s all very speculative."
- If the Celtics were to let Rivers explore the Clippers' job, GM Danny Ainge would want significant compensation, according to multiple executives. Two execs suggested Ainge would ask for Eric Bledsoe, DeAndre Jordan, and Caron Butler's expiring contract, along with two first-round picks, in exchange for Kevin Garnett, Courtney Lee, Jason Terry, and Rivers. That list of names seems somewhat speculative to me, but it provides an idea of how high Ainge might aim.
- Even if Rivers were to part ways with the Celtics, he'd still have to negotiate a new contract with Donald Sterling and the Clippers, who likely wouldn't come close to matching the $7MM annual salary Rivers is earning in Boston.
- Earlier today, we passed along a report indicating that former Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro could interest the Celtics if they lose Rivers.
Mutual Interest Between Doc Rivers, Clippers
8:52pm: Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald reports that Danny Ainge had denied the Clippers permission to contact Rivers earlier this week, though Rivers is said to now be intrigued at the prospect of other coaching opportunities.
7:57pm: Frank Isola of the New York Daily News (via Twitter) cites a source who tells him that Rivers ending up with the Clippers is "gaining momentum."
4:01pm: If Doc Rivers decides to part ways with the Celtics this offseason, there would be "strong mutual interest" between Rivers and the Clippers, according to Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com. The ESPN.com duo reports that the idea of coaching the Clippers would be highly intriguing to Rivers, and that the current Celtics coach would be L.A.'s number one choice should he become available.
According to Stein and Shelburne, the Celtics would like Rivers to return and don't want to see him coaching another team next season, considering he has three years left on his contract in Boston. However, if Rivers decided he wanted to leave, the C's could potentially be persuaded to let him go to the Clippers if they received compensation, whether that came in the form of a veteran player or draft picks.
The ESPN.com report also includes a number of other juicy Clippers and Celtics tidbits, so we'll round them up here:
- Trade discussions between the two teams prior to February's deadline included expanded deals which would have sent both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Clippers, with Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan among the pieces going to Boston. While those talks were unsuccessful at the time, it's possible the two sides could revisit them this summer. As the ESPN.com scribes point out, the L.A. job could become even more appealing to Rivers if Garnett or Pierce were heading west with him.
- No matter who is hired as the Clippers' head coach, the team is expected to very aggressive when it comes to roster moves, looking to re-sign Chris Paul and then upgrade the roster around CP3 and Blake Griffin.
- The Clippers have some interest in the rumored deal that would send Bledsoe and Caron Butler to the Magic in exchange for Arron Afflalo, but would likely want at least one more asset to part with Bledsoe.
- If the Celtics decide to bring back Pierce, it would greatly increase the odds of Garnett playing another season, which in turn would figure to improve the chances of Rivers returning as well.
Wolves Notes: Oladipo, Dieng, Len, Pekovic
Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities brings us his weekly Scoops column a day early this week, publishing it on Thursday rather than Friday. Wolfson's usual look at Minnesota sports is heavy on Timberwolves content this time around, so let's dive in and round up a few highlights….
- Team president Flip Saunders will head to Washington, D.C. to meet with Victor Oladipo tomorrow morning. Considering the Wolves draft at No. 9, and Oladipo isn't expected to make it past the top five, it appears his camp has some level of confidence that Minnesota could trade up.
- Gorgui Dieng and the T-Wolves are trying to figure out a workout time, but it doesn't look like Alex Len will visit with the team before the draft. Len is unlikely to be around by the time the Wolves pick anyway.
- Re-signing Nikola Pekovic remains a high priority for the T-Wolves, though it's still not clear if the club will be willing to pay $12MM+ annually to retain him.
- Minnesota is one of a few NBA teams talking to the D-League's Iowa Energy about a possible one-to-one affiliation. This past season, the Energy served as the D-League affiliate for the Bulls, Nuggets, Pelicans, and Wizards. The Wolves lost their own affiliate when the Sioux Falls SkyForce entered into a single affiliation partnership with the Heat.
- While Wolfson wonders if a reunion between the Wolves and Kevin Garnett would be possible if the Celtics enter rebuilding mode, a source close to KG shoots down the idea, telling Wolfson it would "never happen."
- Although the Wolves' director of player personnel, R.J. Adelman, is expected to remain with the organization, it's possible he could join Sam Hinkie's front office with the Sixers.
Doc Rivers Wary Of Rebuilding
Celtics coach Doc Rivers is still leaving the Celtics hanging on whether he’ll return next season, but the coach may be waiting see what direction the club is going in before making up his mind. Rivers’ decision on whether he will return has to do with whether Danny Ainge will look to completely rebuild in 2013/14 or keep his eye on winning, a league source told A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com.
“No coach wants to go through a full-blown rebuilding process,” said the source. “Doc’s already done that, so he knows how tough that is for all involved. But to be asked to go through it twice? Any coach would pause for a minute before signing on to that.“
Rivers’ decision will not be based solely on whether Paul Pierce and/or Kevin Garnett return next season, the source told Blakely. However, if both veterans are out of the picture, its hard to see Boston contending in 2013/14.
Odds & Ends: Celtics, Heat, Cuban
The Celtics are at a crossroads and the shrouded future of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are a large reason why. Pierce is only guaranteed $5MM next year if the Celtics waive him before June 30th. But he's owed $15.3MM next year if they decide to make another run with this group, or deal him for assets.
Sources revealed to Jackie MacMullan at ESPNBoston.com yesterday, that Garnett will play next year even if Pierce doesn't come back. But it's likely the aging star would retire if the Celtics blow it up entirely. Garnett still has 2 years and over $24MM left on the 3-year deal he signed last summer.
Then again, anything that's considered "likely" for the Celtics will be "laughed at" because nothing is certain at this point. Plus, trading Pierce and excavating the rest of the Celtics' aging roster will be hard to do with the money still owed Jason Terry, Brandon Bass and Courtney Lee.
Chris Forsberg at ESPNBoston.com attacked the Celtics' offseason plans with a four-pronged approach, and he finally finished with his fourth hypothetical: a complete teardown. Starting over for the C's involves general manager Danny Ainge unloading the rest of the nucleus that won the Celtics a title in 2008, and was just one fourth quarter collapse away from a second in 2010.
Here's what else is happening around the league as the Pacers beat the Heat 91-77 to force a game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night.
- Heat owner Micky Arison doesn't care about the summer of 2014 when LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade all have early termination options. Arison told the Sun-Sentinel's Ira Winderman he's only focused on winning a title this year.
- The Oklahoman continues their series of 2012/13 Thunder season reviews with beat reporter John Rohde looking at Nick Collison (also: Collison grades & roundtable with Rohde, Tramel and Mayberry).
- Rohde also spent most of the night on Twitter answering questions about the Thunder's offseason questions.
- Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban, spoke with Ben & Skin at KRLD-FM 105.3, and the Dallas Morning News has the highlights of their chat.
- Mike Malone will be formally introduced to the media as the Kings' new head coach on Monday.
- The Bulls head athletic trainer, Fred Tedeschi, was named the 2012/13 Joe O'Toole NBA Athletic Trainer of the Year.
Celtics Rumors: Schroeder, KG, Millsap, Rivers
A couple weeks ago, ESPN.com's Chad Ford reported (via Twitter) that international draft prospects Dennis Schroeder and Giannis Antetokounmpo had each received first-round guarantees from unknown teams. According to Aran Smith of NBADraft.net (Twitter link), it may be the Celtics that have made a promise to Schroeder at No. 16. There has also been some chatter linking Schroeder to the Jazz (No. 14) and Bucks (No. 15), so the German guard may not even last until 16th overall, but if he does, it appears the Celtics are interested.
Here's more out of Boston:
- Mike Saver of CelticsLife.com passes along a few comments of note made by longtime Boston writer Jackie MacMullan of ESPNBoston.com on CSNNE. According to MacMullan, Kevin Garnett plans to come back for at least one more year, and MacMullan believes KG would play whether or not Paul Pierce remains a Celtic.
- MacMullan also reports that the Celtics covet Paul Millsap, and that if there's a "Plan A" for the team, getting Millsap would be it. Given Boston's cap situation, the C's would likely have to sign-and-trade for the free agent big man, unless they could clear cap room by trading or waiving Pierce and making an additional move or two.
- While most signs continue to point to Doc Rivers remaining the Celtics head coach going forward, some people "who have basketball business with the club" are concerned that Rivers has yet to publicly state his intentions, writes Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald. Within his latest piece for the Herald, Bulpett delves into the relationship between Rivers and GM Danny Ainge.