RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Clippers Call Off Rivers-Garnett Talks With Celtics

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:01:01 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have called off trade talks with the Boston Celtics on a deal involving Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett.

The Celtics were seeking DeAndre Jordan and two future first round picks in exchange for the right to hire Rivers as head coach and Garnett.

The Clippers will move forward with their coaching search with Byron Scott meeting with Donald Sterling on Tuesday and Brian Shaw on Wednesday.

The Celtics were insistent on Eric Bledsoe's inclusion earlier in the talks.

Danny Ainge has confirmed to the Boston Globe that talks with the Clippers are dead.

Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Clippers had "cold feet" on the financial aspects of the deal. The Clippers refused to give in to the Celtics' demands for a second first round pick, but Rivers' $35 million contract over five seasons and Jordan's $3 million trade kicker proved too expensive.

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported late on Tuesday that a source categorized the talks as "stalled."

"Never say anything is completely dead in NBA," said the source. "But the Clippers are not looking to revisit right now."

Jerry Sloan Not Official Jazz Consultant Yet, But Keeping Tactful Presence

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:38:33 EDT

Jerry Sloan has been a tactful presence around the Utah Jazz's draft process, and he plans to continue providing subtle insight for the organization without – for now – a formal consultant role, a league source told RealGM.

Sloan, 71, maintains close relationships with Jazz management, making his return to the franchise this summer an easy transition even without an official position as consultant to this point.

After a successful 23-year run as head coach of the Jazz ended in February of 2011, Sloan headlined the list of available coaches, with an illustrious career that separated him as a candidate teams simply had to meet to gauge his desire to lead them. Several head coach vacancies had intrigued Sloan this offseason, but he wasn’t able to find a suitable situation.

Sloan told the Deseret News earlier this month that he and the Jazz have discussed a role within the organization. “If they want me around, fine,” Sloan said. “If they don’t, [fine]. They’d talked to me a little bit about it a little bit earlier.”

Mouhammadou Jaiteh Withdraws From Draft Despite First Round Guarantees

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:41:54 EDT

Before withdrawing from this month’s NBA draft, Mouhammadou Jaiteh received first round guarantees that failed to entice the 18-year-old enough to leave his development in France, agent Herman Manakyan told RealGM on Monday.

Teams were impressed with the sharp growth in Jaiteh, and the 6-foot-11 center worked out for six organizations throughout the draft process. Even with guarantees, Jaiteh made clear he wanted to be drafted into a flourishing situation – for both himself and the team.

“The guarantees were not in attractive situations for us,” Manakyan said.

With a focus on next year’s draft, Jaiteh will now sign with a team in France, where several clubs have been vying to sign him, Manakyan said. No frontrunners have emerged, but playing time and the opportunity to continue his rapid development are key factors.

Rivers, Ainge To Meet On Wednesday

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:36:58 EDT

Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge will meet on Wednesday to discuss the best way to move forward following the end of trade talks between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers.

Rivers was nearly allowed to coach the Clippers in a deal that would have involved Kevin Garnett.

Rivers is reportedly uneasy about returning to the Celtics amid a likely rebuild.

The Celtics were hoping to accelerate the rebuilding process with the Clippers' deal and Rivers is not at odds with Ainge.

Andrew Wiggins Impresses With 'Video Game' Like Ability In First Practice With Kansas

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:18:11 EDT

Andrew Wiggins participated in his first practice at Kansas on Monday.

Wiggins arrived in Lawrence on Saturday.

"Wow!" a source close to the Jayhawks' program said. "Like watching a video game. He'd be the No. 1 pick this year."

Alex Len Has Best Shot To Go No. 1 If Cavaliers Pass On Noel

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:16:17 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to make a decision on who to select with the first overall pick.

Nerlens Noel is the favorite and he will meet with the Cavaliers on Thursday.

Alex Len is the most likely alternative option, according to sources. Len would give the Cavaliers size, defensive ability and is less raw as a prospect than Noel.

The Cavaliers are also evaluating Anthony Bennett, Ben McLemore, Victor Oladipo and Otto Porter.

Bosh: Danny Green 'Won't Be Open' In Game 6

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:32:06 EDT

Danny Green has set the record for most three-pointers made in an NBA Finals series, but Chris Bosh was adamant the Miami Heat will limit the San Antonio Spurs guard's open looks in Game 6 on Tuesday.

"[Green] won't be open tonight," Bosh said.

Tony Parker said after Game 5 that he could not believe the Heat continued to give Green open shots.

In Green's mind, if the Heat crowd him more in Game 6, it will lead to additional driving lanes for Parker and Manu Ginobili.

"You have to give up something," Green said, according to David Aldridge of NBA.com.

Mark Jackson Hasn't Begun Extension Talks With Warriors

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:34:42 EDT

Mark Jackson and the Golden State Warriors have not begun discussing a contract extension.

Jackson signed a three-year deal with a team option for the fourth with the Warriors during the 2011 offseason meaning he is without a deal past the upcoming 13-14 season.

"No. And my feelings are, that’ll take care of itself. I don’t get caught up in it. It will truly take care of itself.

"I’m thrilled to have a job and to coach this group of guys…  and with great ownership, a great front office and fan base. It’ll play itself out."

Jackson was also asked if he can take credit for the Brooklyn Nets' decision to hire Jason Kidd without any previous coaching experience.

"No," said Jackson "I think at the end of the day Jason Kidd is an all-time great player who I’ve got a lot of respect for.

"I’ve talked to him often. He reached out and thanked me and we’ve had great dialogue. I just think he’s going to do very well. I’m happy for him. I think it was a great hire for the Nets.

"That being said, I think it’s now up to Jason to open the door for the next guy to prove that the naysayers are wrong.

Raptors Part Ways With Alvin Williams

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:54:20 EDT

The Toronto Raptors have parted ways with Alvin Williams, a popular former player of the team who has been serving as a scout.

Williams was based out of Philadelphia while scouting for the Raptors.

The decision was made by MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke, according to the report.

Nets Interested In Hiring Roy Rogers

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:56:38 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets are interested in adding Roy Rogers to Jason Kidd's coaching staff.

Rogers was an assistant coach with the Nets under Lawrence Frank and then followed him to the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons.

Rogers was a candidate to join Jeff Hornacek's staff with the Phoenix Suns, but withdrew his name from consideration on Monday.

D'Alessandro Compares Preparing For Kings' Interview To Being In Law School

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:49:40 EDT

Pete D'Alessandro was introduced on Monday as general manager of the Sacramento Kings.

Vivek Ranadive put his GM candidates through an extensive interview process, involving analysis of the Kings' roster, plans for both the short and long-term, as well as examples of linear and non-linear thinking.

"I had just finished preparing for my first interview," D'Alessandro said later in the afternoon, "and I got this email from Vivek. I was thinking, 'Wow, I think I need to do a lot more.' I proofed everything on the flight over, and then when I landed, I went to a Kinko's in Palo Alto and made copies. I pulled an all-nighter. I felt like I was back in law school."

Gordon, Smart Headline Final U19 USA Roster

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:09:55 EDT

USA Basketball has chosen its final roster for the U19 World Championship Team in Prague beginning next week.

The team will be coached by Billy Donovan.

Michael Frazier
Aaron Gordon
Jerami Grant
Montrezl Harrell
Jahil Okafor
Elfrid Payton
Marcus Smart
Jarnell Stokes
Rasheed Sulaimon
Mike Tobey
Nigel Williams-Goss
Justise Winslow 

Greg Whittington May Have Torn ACL

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:48:56 EDT

Greg Whittington injured his knee and the fear is that it is a torn ACL.

Whittington is a junior forward for Gerogetown.

Whittington averaged 12.1 points and seven rebounds in 13 games last season before being ruled academically ineligible.

Clippers, Celtics To Resume Garnett-Rivers Talks On Tuesday

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:40:06 EDT

The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers will continue their discussions on a trade involving Kevin Garnett and the right to hire Doc Rivers as coach on Tuesday.

The two parties are at an impasse after discussing the deal heavily over the past few days.

The Celtics are seeking a trade package centered around DeAndre Jordan. The Celtics are no longer asking the Clippers for the inclusion of Eric Bledsoe, but are instead adamant about receiving two first round picks. The Clippers must also pay the $3.5 million trade kicker on Jordan's contract.

The Clippers will give Rivers a five-year, $35 million contract.

Rivers is uninterested in remaining with the Celtics during their rebuilding process and is torn on whether to return if the deal falls apart.

Garnett is willing to waive his no-trade clause to be dealt to the Clippers, giving him an opportunity to compete for a title while living in his Malibu home.

Game 5 Draws 11.5 Rating

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:58:13 EDT

The NBA Finals averaged more than 16 million viewers during Game 5 on Sunday.

The game peaked at one point with 19.3 million viewers.

With an 11.5 rating in Game 5, viewership was down 9.5 percent from when the Miami Heat beat the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the title.

The series is averaging a 9.0 rating.

Lakers Hire Larry Lewis As Player Development Coach

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:53:27 EDT

The Los Angeles Lakers have hired Larry Lewis as a player development coach.

Lewis spent the past two seasons with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the D-League.

D’Antoni plans to hire two full-time assistants and one more player development coach.

Rockets Wouldn't Allow McHale To Leave For Celtics

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:18:06 EDT

Kevin McHale would presumably be a head coach of interest to the Boston Celtics should they move forward with a move that would send Doc Rivers to the Los Angeles Clippers.

But McHale is currently the head coach of the Houston Rockets and the team would not let him leave for the Celtics, according to sources.

McHale replaced Rick Adelman during the 2011 offseason.

Celtics May Be Willing To Accept Alternative To Bledsoe In Garnett-Rivers Talks

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:01:03 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics continue to discuss a deal involving Kevin Garnett and the right to hire Doc Rivers as head coach.

The Clippers are offering DeAndre Jordan and draft compensation. Danny Ainge and the Celtics are seeking the inclusion of Eric Bledsoe, but sources say they have begun to show a willingness to accept another asset.

Rivers would replace Vinny Del Negro as head coach of the Clippers.

Monta Ellis Informs Bucks Of Decision To Exercise Opt-Out

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:26:10 EDT

Monta Ellis has informed the Milwaukee Bucks that he will opt out of his contract for the 13-14 NBA season.

Ellis had an option for $11 million.

The Bucks had offered Ellis an extension worth $36 million.

Nuggets Hire Tim Connelly As General Manager

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:21:25 EDT

The Denver Nuggets have hired Tim Connelly as general manager, replacing Masai Ujiri.

Connelly was previously with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Source: Doc Rivers Considering Return To Broadcasting

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:19:17 EDT

Doc Rivers has not ruled out taking time off from coaching for a return to his broadcasting career and returning afterward to coaching, according to a source.

"You guys (media) have been around Doc long enough to know that's always been something he's talked about," the source said. "So it shouldn't come as a surprise.

"And frankly, now is probably as good a time as any for him to go that route."

The reported deal between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers -- in which Rivers would be freed to coach in L.A. -- has stalled.

Dario Saric To Withdraw From 2013 NBA Draft

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:13:49 EDT

Dario Saric will withdraw his name from the 2013 NBA draft, according to agent Marc Cornstein.

Saric has signed his letter of withdrawal from the draft and Cornstein will deliver it to the NBA before the deadline to withdraw on Monday.

Saric was highly regarded as a first round pick.

Recently, Saric became concerned he would not play minutes on his NBA team or would spend all his time in the D-League.

Kings Offer Consultant Role To Chris Mullin

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:07:47 EDT

Chris Mullin has been offered a consultant role in the Sacramento Kings' front office.

Mullin was the top basketball executive for the Golden State Warriors from 2004-09, spending time with then-assistant GM Pete D'Alessandro.

Bringing Mullin into the front office would fuel speculation about the Kings' possible pursuit of Monta Ellis.

Ellis was drafted by Mullin in 2005.

Chandler: Kidd Had 'Couple Of More Years In Him'

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:49:09 EDT

Tyson Chandler was not surprised that Jason Kidd retired recently to eventually become head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, but he does think the former New York Knicks guard could have played more seasons in the NBA.

"I tried to [convince him]," Chandler said. "I did. I thought he had a couple of more years in him. I gave my input. I tried to tell him he could still do it, and you have a lot left in you.’’

Although Kidd went scoreless in the final 10 games of the season, Chandler does not believe he went through a slump.

“I didn’t consider it a slump,’’ Chandler said. “He’s a floor leader. He entered the game as a floor leader and leaves it as a floor leader.He didn’t make shots in the playoffs, but that’s not a slump for him. It’s everything else Jason brings.’’

Pistons To Consider Stashing Draft Pick Overseas

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:35:53 EDT

The Detroit Pistons are taking a hard look at international players in the NBA draft, particularly with their two second round picks.

The Pistons are considering stashing at least one of their draft picks overseas for next season.

Alex Len figures to be the first foreign player taken in the draft.

Sergey Karasev To Field NBA Interviews In Russia

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:40:52 EDT

Interest in Sergey Karasev has elevated so much from seven teams between the Nos. 9 and 22 picks in the NBA draft, the Russian prospect will have those organizations fly out to meet him in Europe, league sources told RealGM.

Karasev, 19, remains unlikely to leave Russia for any workouts or interviews, but teams have insisted they come sit down with him in Russia. Even though he’ll speak to teams now, Karasev won’t work out.

When Karasev returned to Russia earlier this month, he had left teams believing they might not get the opportunity to see him before the draft. Still, Karasev hasn’t received a firm first round guarantee yet, a source said.

A 6-foot-7 swingman, Karasev has intrigued with his shooting and playmaking, following an average of 20 points on 49 percent three-point shooting in this season’s European Cup. With the ninth and 26th selections in the first round, the Minnesota Timberwolves have scouted Karasev comprehensively after bringing over Alexey Shved from Russia last offseason, but they don’t appear to be the strongest contenders for Karasev.

Jerome Jordan Envisions Role On Knicks Next Season

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 03:31:12 EDT

Jerome Jordan will play on the New York Knicks' summer league team, but he wants a permanent role on the team next season.

"I'm ready to play," Jordan said. "It was a tough year with the team [in 2011-12]. There was a lot of pressure. I'm just trying to be physically and mentally ready to play on both ends of the floor.

"Defensively, block shots and rebound, and then on the offensive end, just try to be comfortable out there."

Jordan said he was close to signing with the Memphis Grizzlies last fall.

Lakers Maintaining Significant Contact With Howard's Reps

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 03:20:57 EDT

The Los Angeles Lakers have not broached the possibility of a sign-and-trade of Dwight Howard in the team's in-house discussions.

The Lakers and Howard have maintained "A LOT" of dialogue with Howard's representatives since May, according to a source.

Howard will be a free agent in July.

The Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers had reportedly been linked as possible trade partners in a deal centering on Howard and Blake Griffin.

Victor Oladipo Declines Invitation To Wizards' Facility

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:59:50 EDT

Victor Oladipo declined the Washington Wizards' invitation to work out at their facility ahead of this month's NBA draft, according to sources.

Oladipo does not expect to begin his NBA career with his hometown Wizards.

Oladipo has given the Wizards the option of watching him work out at DeMatha or another facility in Bowie, where he has been preparing for the draft.

Even so, the Wizards are likely to visit Oladipo early next week.

Rockets Will Decline Options On Brooks, Delfino, Garcia

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 23:41:04 EDT

The Houston Rockets will not pick up contract options Aaron Brooks, Carlos Delfino and Francisco Garcia.

Brooks appeared in 7 games for the Rockets in 2012-13 after joining the team on Mar. 5.

Delfino played in 67 games during his one-year tenure with the Rockets.

Garcia was acquired by the Rockets in a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 21, 2013.

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