The Bulls, Knicks, Warriors and Thunder won their first round series, but fell short of reaching the NBA's Final Four. Each team faces a pivotal offseason with many decisions to consider. Read More. Written by Daniel Leroux on May 21, 2013
The event gives front offices the opportunity to evaluate D-League players with the possibility of offering Summer League or training camp invites. Read More.
Tyus Jones, the No. 2 overall recruit for 2014 and an excellent point guard, was selected by Paul Biancardi, Adam Finkelstein and John Stovall. Read More.
The Los Angeles Clippers have fired Vinny Del Negro, according to a source.
Del Negro has been with the Clippers since the 10-11 season.
The Clippers are believed to be interested in Lionel Hollins and Mike Malone.
Donald Sterling was known as a supporter of Del Negro, but a decision had been made to do everything possible to increase their chances of re-signing Chris Paul.
Sources say Paul wanted a coaching change for the Clippers.
"This was a difficult decision, but we feel this is the best decision for our franchise moving forward," said Gary Sacks in a statement.
A league source tells ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that the situation for Del Negro changed when it appeared as though Sterling may be nearing a new deal with him.
"Once it became a reality that (Sterling) might keep him everyone with a phone got to Donald," said a source.
The Los Angeles Clippers have no interest in pursuing Dwight Howard this offseason, according to sources.
The Clippers have been reported as a possible destination, albeit a longshot, to end up with Howard.
The Clippers do not have cap space to sign Howard while also re-signing Chris Paul, which would have forced them to complete several complicated deals in order to acquire him.
Matt Barnes has discussed this offseason with Chris Paul and has gotten a sense that the Los Angeles Clippers' star will re-sign in free agency.
"Chris and I have seen each other a few times after the season and that's something we've discussed," Barnes said on Wednesday. "Not to really get into his business too much, but I think the Clippers are one of his of top teams to say the least and if I was betting guy I would say he would be back with the Clippers next year."
Barnes would like to return to the Clippers, but he is also looking for an increase in salary after signing a one-year contract worth the veteran's minimum last summer.
"I had a great season with the Clippers and my family is very comfortable here in L.A.," Barnes said. "So the Clippers are going to be one of my top choices, but we're looking for a pay increase."
Chris Paul has yet to commit to re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, but it is considered a probable outcome.
One source said that there are "too many positives" for Paul to remain with the Clippers.
Another source predicted that there's "zero chance" of Paul giving up the fifth year and nearly $30 million in additional guaranteed money.
The Clippers need to improve their roster in order to become a legitimate title contender, and Paul could potentially force his way out via trade after signing a new deal should the pieces not come together.
The Los Angeles Clippers are "very confident" that Chris Paul will re-sign with the franchise this offseason.
Gary Sacks, vice president of basketball operations, met with Paul on Saturday.
Paul is eligible to sign a five-year, $108 million extension after July 1.
"The No. 1 priority for us right now has to be re-signing our star player, Chris Paul," Sacks said. "That's our goal, that's what we want to do. We want to put ourselves in a position to do that. We feel this organization is in a position to move forward with that goal in mind. It's always difficult, it's never easy, but we feel confident we can be successful."
Paul was noncommittal about returning to the Clippers when he met with the media on Saturday.
Stephen A. Smith of ESPN reports that the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics could execute a trade of Blake Griffin, Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
"Absurd," said one source from the Celtics to Greg Dickerson of Comcast in response to the story.
Smith also reports that Doc Rivers could go with Pierce and Garnett to the Clippers.
"It is already being talked about in NBA circles," said Smith.
Smith wouldn't answer definitively if it is actually being discussed between the two teams.