Kim Klement-USA Today Sports
The ongoing discussions between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers hit a snag late on Monday evening and on Tuesday reports indicated that the deal was all but “dead.”
The Clippers took some of the leverage while discussions leaked as they refused to include Eric Bledsoe in the deal or take on the contracts of either Jason Terry or Courtney Lee. On another level of the potential blockbuster deal, the Celtics were also asking for two first round draft picks — the Clippers once again wouldn’t bite.
Now reports are indicating that Los Angeles is looking to move forward with their other coaching candidates — either Lionel Hollins or Brian Shaw, who have seemingly been put on the back burner over the last couple of days. As for Boston, well, Danny Ainge told the Boston Globe on Tuesday afternoon that the Celtics would welcome Doc Rivers back, if he so chooses.
Rivers is reportedly “grappling” with the idea and decisions, as has been the case for the past couple of weeks. He is under contract for the next three years at $7 million per. Rivers has had friction in the past with star point guard Rajon Rondo and the option of heading to the broadcast booth could still be a viable choice.
Kevin Garnett remains under contract, but the tipping point to skeptics may just be Paul Pierce. If the Celtics make the decision to keep Pierce for next year, that might be the clearest of indications that this deal is all but done and Boston is ready to reload for another run with this veteran squad. If that’s the case, Rivers may very well be intrigued by that type of scenario.
The back and forth discussions have been just that, so we will wait and see from here if this trade talk is actually “dead” and what the domino effect in both Boston and Los Angeles will be.
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
