The Celtics and Clippers renewed trade talks yesterday concerning a monster deal that could transport future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett and coach Doc Rivers to Los Angeles.
And that was about where the agreements ended. Essentially, both sides adopted something of a policy that indicated if you can’t get what you want, at least try to get the other guy to take what you don’t want.
Talks broke down over the weekend when it was glaringly apparent the Clippers would not include 23-year-old point guard Eric Bledsoe in the deal. But the talks picked up again with the contingency perhaps the Clippers would instead accept one of the Celtics’ more undesirable contracts, either that of Jason Terry or Courtney Lee. And there was a hope by Boston that the Clippers might be persuaded to take both, which the folks in L.A. looked upon as favorably as the flu. The Celtics also were holding out hope for two first-round picks as compensation for Rivers, while the Clippers sought to move Caron Butler’s $8 million expiring deal.
Yahoo! Sports yesterday first reported the teams had resumed talks and later reported the sticking point over the two first-round picks.
Both Terry and Lee are owed $5.225 and $5.45 million over the next two years, and Lee has a third year at $5.6 million.
The discussions resumed as a renewal of trade deadline talks between the two teams that revolved around Garnett for Clippers center DeAndre Jordan and Bledsoe. Obviously, those discussions died but resurfaced recently with a twist — the possibility of Rivers replacing the ousted Vinny Del Negro as coach.
But the snag occurred when the Clippers balked at adding Bledsoe — a backup to Chris Paul — who is destined for free agency July 1. The thinking is the addition of Garnett would secure Paul’s services. The Clippers may then try to pursue Paul Pierce, who has one year at $15 million left, although there is a $5 million buyout possibility with Boston.
After the Celtics were eliminated by the Knicks early last month, Pierce said, “I definitely expect to be playing next year.”
WhSWere is another matter.
Garnett has two years and $24 million remaining on his pact. He has a no-trade clause — but he also has a house in Malibu so a deal to L.A. is not seen as a sticking point.
There have been numerous reports Rivers, who has three years at $21 million remaining on his contract, would welcome a change of venue rather than go through a painful rebuilding process.
The Celtics, beset with injuries, were hurting for size and Jordan fills that role at 6-foot-11. But he is only averaging 6.7 points and 6.6 rebounds through his five-season career. It’s not like the Celtics would be getting the second coming of Bill Russell. And in 26 games after the All-Star break, Jordan scored in double figures in back-to-back games only once. In six first round playoff games against the Grizzlies, he totaled 22 points.