Boston Celtics

The saga between the Celtics and the Clippers are becoming more and more like an episode of the Walking Dead. Until the Clippers shoot the proverbial bullet in the head by signing another coach not named Doc Rivers, the trade is still alive. Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted earlier today that the the Clippers reached out to the Celtics this afternoon to resume dialogue on a possible deal. This despite multiple reports claiming that the Clippers "felt good" about hiring Scott, Shaw, or Hollins.So what triggered the Clippers to reach out to the Celtics? Was it a phone call from Chris Paul demanding this trade happens? Were the Clippers just posturing hoping that Danny Ainge caves in and accept the deal for just Deandre Jordan and one first round pick?Regardless of what caused the Clippers to contact the Celtics, it appears more and more likely that Ainge will get the two first round picks they were seeking for along with Center Deandre Jordan.So what does this mean for the C's? CoachingWith Doc Rivers moving to LA, the Celtics would need to find a replacement for their coaching vacancy. Interestingly enough, former Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro is considered at the top of their preferred list. Unless the Celtics are planning on tanking next season, hiring Del Negro will be a huge mistake. Between his time with the Bulls and the Clippers, his defensive scheme seems non existent and offensively I am not sure if he actually has a strategy. If I had my preference, I would like to see the Celtics hire Jerry Sloan. Sloan's offensive philosophy would best suite the Celtics current roster, allowing Rajon Rondo to attack using a pick and roll with Jordan, or hit a cutting Avery Bradley or Jeff Green. This should be big improvement over last year's anemic offense.Secondary Option: Jeff Van Gundy - Proven defensive system. Would utilize both Bradley's defensive prowess as well as Jordan's ability to protect the paint.PlayersCenter - Deandre JordanPower Forward - Brandon Bass or Jared SullingerSmall Forward - Jeff GreenShooting Guard - Avery BradleyPoint Guard - Rajon RondoBenchBass or SullingerCourtney LeeJason TerryTerrance WilliamsFab MeloLooking at the roster above, the Celtics have multiple needs one major need would be another scorer specially off the bench. With the 16th pick overall, the Celtics could use a player like Shane Larkin who many believe is one of the best pick and role players in the draft. Besides his pick and roll ability, Larkin is also a pretty good shooter which could be the perfect contrast to Rajon Rondo. Secondary option I would like to see Shabazz Muhammad in a Celtic uniform, but I doubt he would last this long. As far as free agency, the Celtics should go after Elton Brand. Brand could assist in replacing KG's role of veteran leadership and a strong mid range game. With his size and his physicality, the Celtics could also play him as a Center. Watching Fab Melo last year, I am not sure if he's ready or if he'll ever be ready to contribute. www.BostonSportsLink.com The saga between the Celtics and the Clippers are becoming more and more like an episode of the Walking Dead. Until the Clippers shoot the proverbial bullet in the head by signing another coach not named Doc Rivers, the trade is still alive. Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted earlier today that the the Clippers reached out to the Celtics this afternoon to resume dialogue on a possible deal. This despite multiple reports claiming that the Clippers "felt good" about hiring Scott, Shaw, or Hollins.So what triggered the Clippers to reach out to the Celtics? Was it a phone call from Chris Paul demanding this trade happens? Were the Clippers just posturing hoping that Danny Ainge caves in and accept the deal for just Deandre Jordan and one first round pick?Regardless of what caused the Clippers to contact the Celtics, it appears more and more likely that Ainge will get the two first round picks they were seeking for along with

The Celtics and Clippers, perhaps being a bit too distracted by an entertaining Bruins-Blackhawks Stanley Cup Finals, have appeared to call it quits early tonight on their revived trade talks, according to reports. The Clips-Celtics won’t be getting deal done tonight for Doc, KG to LA. Sources said talks that resumed today resume tomorow morning. — Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 20, 2013 Source: C’s situation w/Doc “delicate.” If someone on Bruins telecast explains what that means I’ll pass it on. Otherwise… — Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) June 20, 2013 That second tweet from Bulpett remains puzzling. What exactly could he mean by it? There are a couple reasons the C’s could be back negotiating with the Clippers, even though the demands for a trade according to Marc Stein of  ESPN.com remain similar (and quite lackluster) from Boston in the form of two first round picks and DeAndre Jordan for KG and Doc Rivers. One source close to the process expressed optimism the sides would reach an agreement in principle by Thursday on the two deals involving Garnett and Rivers, which the Clippers believe will all but cement the signature of star guard Chris Paul when Paul becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Although sources stressed that final details were still being worked out, one trade would be a straight player swap sending Clippers center DeAndre Jordan for Garnett, with the second move calling for Boston to receive two first-round draft picks as compensation for freeing Rivers from his Celtics contract. However, ESPN.com has learned the teams will have at least one more hurdle to clear even if they finally agree to a trade framework after days of talks and multiple breakdowns in discussions. Sources say the Clippers and Celtics, to push the trade through, will have to convince the league office that the deals were not contingent upon each other. According to NBA rules, side agreements or contingencies are prohibited in any trade or free-agent signing. Rules also prohibit coaches from being traded; teams can convey cash or draft picks as compensation to get a coach under contract released from those obligations. For some additional analysis on the latest events, and what it will take to get the job done, Rich Keefe and I got together for another podcast this evening to sort out our thoughts. Tweet

Discussions between the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics on a deal that would send Kevin Garnett and coach Doc Rivers to Los Angeles resumed on Wednesday just one day after they were declared "off" by both sides, sources told ESPN.

Sounds like talks are taking another break. Hearing doubts that a potential Clippers-Celtics deal gets done tonight. — Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) June 20, 2013 No official word from the Celtics for any media availability tomorrow with Doc Rivers and/or Danny Ainge, either. — Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) June 20, 2013 The Clips-Celtics won't be getting deal done tonight for Doc, KG to LA. Sources said talks that resumed today resume tomorow morning. — Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 20, 2013 Source: C's situation w/Doc "delicate." If someone on Bruins telecast explains what that means I'll pass it on. Otherwise... — Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) June 20, 2013 Personally I don't get it. At this point what's there left to haggle over? It seems to be down to one first rounder vs. 2 first rounders. I'm sure there are some details to work out (namely money issues and which years the picks would be in) but it can't be that hard to figure out. I'm puzzled about what could be the latest hangup.

Discussions between the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics on a deal that would send Kevin Garnett and coach Doc Rivers to Los Angeles resumed on Wednesday just one day after they were declared "off" by both sides, sources told ESPN.

“Make. Up. Your. Minds.”I mean, you HAD to see this coming, right?According to several sources, including Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, talks have revived between the Celtics and Clippers which is an enormous surprise to absolutely no one.Here is perhaps the most relevant part of the deal: The Clippers reached out to the Celtics this time. This is significant, and it points to the most important bit: Chris Paul reportedly nudged the Clippers in Rivers’ direction. Keeping Chris Paul is at the top of Los Angeles’ summer priorities, as it should be, so his (economically feasible) wish is kind of their command.This is a little bit ironic, since Paul’s demands actually give the Celtics their first significant leverage since negotiations began. The original proposed deal, Garnet and Doc for Eric Bledsoe, DeAndre Jordan and two draft picks, is probably out of the question. But if Ainge is smart (and he is), he won’t just settle for Jordan and a couple of mediocre draft picks. He should absolutely start pushing for the Clippers to take back a bad contract along with the deal (preferably Jason Terry, who has very little trade value, unlike Courtney Lee).It’s dangerous to analyze too much at this point, given how fluid negotiations have been and how very very very very very annoying and depressing this whole process has been, but it’s safe to say that talks have resumed, and we are about to go through this entire godforsaken circus. Again.Follow Tom on Twitter: @Tom_NBA.

The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Clippers killed their deal to trade Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett to the Los Angeles Clippers two days ago. Now, as expected, its back on. With a little help from Chris Paul, as Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports, the deal is back on and heating up. With a full understanding that free agent Chris Paul wants this deal completed, the Los Angeles Clippers re-engaged the Boston Celtics on the Kevin Garnett-Doc Rivers negotiations on Wednesday afternoon, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Clippers walked away from the talks on Monday morning, insisting that Boston’s asking price ofDeAndre Jordan and two first-round picks was too steep of a price for Garnett. The Clippers have long been a franchise ridiculed by the rest of the league. It seems that they have become serious about spending money in order to retain Chris Paul–something that Donald Sterling has been very coy with in the past. To complete this deal, the Clippers will have to extend Doc Rivers already lucrative contract and pay a trade kicker of $3.5 million to send Deandre Jordan to the Celtics. Right now, Woj reports, the deal is only hinging on a single first round draft pick. The Celtics want to first round picks and Deandre Jordan in return for Rivers and Garnett. ESPN’s Marc Stein has taken to twitter to report that things have been progressing on the trade front and it seems that a deal will get done very soon. Latest w/@ramonashelburne: One source close to Clips/Celts talks expressing optimism parties could agree to trade terms as soon as tonight — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 19, 2013 Most likely framework, amid signs of progress in talks, remains DeAndre Jordan for KG & two first-rounders for Doc Rivers’ coaching rights — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 19, 2013 It seems that the Celtics and Rivers were aware that it would be hard to repair the damage that has already been done by requesting a trade. With Rivers not wanting to be in a rebuilding phase and Garnett likely on the way out along with Pierce, this seems like the proper direction to go in. Chris Paul really wants to play with Garnett and be coached by Rivers. There isn’t a better situation in the league for Rivers or Garnett. And if Pierce comes along later in the summer after the Celtics waive his contract, they’ll get the last run on a competitive team that they all want.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm getting a bit burned out on these on again, off again, on again talks between the Celtics and the Clippers. First they were deep in discussions. The Clippers call off the talks because they won't include Bledsoe. Danny gives in and is willing to deal without Bledsoe. The Clippers call off talks because they don't want to include 2 draft picks. Doc and Danny were going to talk today and Doc was reportedly going to make his first statement since this all started. Brian Shaw was back in LA for a second interview with the Clippers. It was all over and we were moving on, finally. Not so fast!! It seems that Chris Paul really wants to play for Doc. And with a nudge by Chris Paul, the Clippers have come back to the table. From Adrian Wojnarowski: With a full understanding that free agent Chris Paul wants this deal completed, the Los Angeles Clippers re-engaged the Boston Celtics on the Kevin Garnett-Doc Rivers negotiations on Wednesday afternoon, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Clippers have negotiated a five-year, $35 million deal with Rivers that could be worth as much as $8 million annually with incentives, sources said. Garnett will waive his no-trade clause to be a part of the deal. The Clippers would have to pay a $3.5 million trade kicker on Jordan's contract. But, once again, it's not about the money. It's about Danny wanting 2 draft picks and the Clippers wanting to part with no more than one. Once again, according to Marc Stein, The Celtics are proposing DeAndre Jordan for KG & two first-rounders for Doc Rivers' coaching rights. Also, according to Stein, the deal could be done as soon as tonight. The fact that Chris Paul has expressed his desire for this deal to get done hopefully will give the Celtics some leverage. Danny proved by walking away and expressing his desire to continue with Doc as coach of the Celtics that the Celtics have nothing to lose if the deal doesn't go through. And if CP3 wants the deal done, that puts the Clippers in a slight bind. Do they give up what they consider to be too much or do they risk losing their prize point guard? Gary Washburn adds that if the Celtics look for a new coach, they are likely to look for a young coach like Brian Shaw or even Miami assistant, David Fizdale. Shaw has been my pick all along. He's a former Celtic. He's paid his dues as an assistant in good organizations. And, the Pacers' young players have credited him with helping their development. If the Celtics are rebuilding, they will need a coach who can develop young players. [Discuss on CG Forums!]

CSSNE’s “Sports Tonight” just had a live phone interview with Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski. I tweeted out the significant statements to my Twitter followers: Woj on Clips-Celts now: “the talks are still at Jordan & one pick, Boston still wants two picks…Chris Paul has begun to exert some muscle” — KWAPT (@KWAPT) June 19, 2013 More Woj: “I think (Boston) they know it has to be done…until the Clippers hire a coach, this thing is alive” — KWAPT (@KWAPT) June 19, 2013 Woj on C’s/Ainge: “I think they’re also hopeful that they’ll find a way to get this done, send Doc & KG to Clips & start rebuidling process” — KWAPT (@KWAPT) June 19, 2013 Sorry for the lack of spell check-obviously “rebuilding” was what was said. Shortly after this, the Herald’s Mark Murphy said that Doc & Danny will be addressing the media tomorrow. Will it be an exit interview, or to announce that Doc is staying on as coach? Judging from what I’ve read this afternoon, I’m guessing the first of the two. But at this point, nothing would surprise me. *UPDATE* CSNNE just posted the entire short interview. You can watch it here. And ESPN’s Marc Stein tweeted this: Latest w/@ramonashelburne: One source close to Clips/Celts talks expressing optimism parties could agree to trade terms as soon as tonight — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 19, 2013

Here we go again. As expected, talks are back on. And sooner than we thought. The Celtics and Clippers have started talks again on the Doc Rivers-Kevin Garnett deal, league sources tell Y! Sports. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 19, 2013 The Clippers reached out to the Celtics this afternoon to resume dialogue on a possible deal, league sources tell Y! Sports. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 19, 2013 Sounds like the Clippers are the aggressors this time and perhaps even a little bit eager to get it done. Hopefully that works in our favor. NBA source said #clippers determined to get deal done now. We'll see if they sweeten the pot for #celtics — gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) June 19, 2013 Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge of Boston Celtics meet to settle future, sources say - ESPN Boston Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge met Wednesday evening with the hopes of settling the coach's future with the club, sources told ESPN. Rivers' preference, sources said, is to coach next season. He would also have the option of returning to broadcasting if he did not want to continue with the Celtics and an exit to the Clippers could not be facilitated.