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."

Clippers Continue Bledsoe For Afflalo Talks With Magic, Waiting On Better Offer

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:03:29 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have held ongoing talks with the Orlando Magic on a trade involving Eric Bledsoe for Arron Afflalo.

The Clippers prefer to hold onto Bledsoe in the interim in hopes of landing a better offer, according to sources.

Afflalo is owed $23 million over the next three seasons.

Knicks, Thunder, Cavaliers Interested In Acquiring Mavs' Pick

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:53:37 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks have aggressively shopped the 13th overall pick in order to clear cap room this offseason.

The New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly shown interest in acquiring the pick.

The Mavericks are seeking either a 2014 first round pick or a deal to unload Shawn Marion's contract to create more cap space.

Some around the league believe the Mavericks may have already secured a deal for the pick.

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.

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.

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.

Report: Doc Rivers Informed Clippers Won't Accept Offer From Celtics

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:02:46 EDT

Doc Rivers has been informed that the Los Angeles Clippers won't accept the Boston Celtics offer, according to sources.

The Clippers have been trying to acquire the rights to have Rivers as their coach along with Kevin Garnett in exchange for DeAndre Jordan and one future first round pick.

The Celtics have been seeking the inclusion of Eric Bledsoe and a second first round pick, who has presumably become the deal breaker.

With Rivers presumably off the board, the Clippers will offer the job to Brian Shaw or Lionel Hollins next week.

"Not looking good, but I wouldn't say (it's over) for sure," said a source that spoke with Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Garnett Willing To Waive No Trade Clause In Package Deal With Rivers To Clippers

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:58:03 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers are engaged in discussions with the Boston Celtics on a deal that would involve Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers.

The Clippers would send DeAndre Jordan and two first round picks to the Celtics for Garnett and the right to hire Rivers as their head coach.

Garnett is willing to waive his no-trade clause.

Donald Sterling is prepared to pay Rivers an annual salary of $7 million.

The Celtics are also seeking the inclusion of Eric Bledsoe, but the Clippers want to include him in another package.

The Celtics and Rivers seek a resolution to the talks within the next few days.

Clippers Discussed Acquiring Paul Pierce In Garnett Package Before Deadline

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:00:42 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics discussed trade scenarios in February that would have sent centered around both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

The Celtics would have acquired Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan in what would have been a wider package.

The Clippers plan to be "very aggressive" and "shake every tree" to upgrade the roster this offseason, though it is unknown if they have attempted to revisit talks with the Celtics.

Sources: Cavaliers Couple Weeks Away From Draft Decision

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:56:19 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still a couple weeks away from deciding their plan with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, according to sources.

The Cavaliers still have not received answers on Nerlens Noel's medical situation.

If the Cavaliers get uncomfortable with Noel's medical status, Otto Porter could be their selection.

There has not been high interest in trading for the No. 1 pick.

Gasol Remains Understanding, Respectful Of Lakers' Indecisiveness On His Future

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:25:20 EDT

Pau Gasol remains understanding and respectful of the Los Angeles Lakers' indecisiveness regarding his future with the club.

The Lakers are waiting to see what Dwight Howard decided to do with his free agency before making a move with Gasol.

"I think the team has shown they would like to keep me," Gasol said. "But I understand there's a lot of other factors that come into place. Those factors cannot be ignored."

If Howard re-signs, the Lakers could search for a trade of Gasol for a younger piece, use their amnesty provision on him, or keep him as Kobe Bryant has insisted.

Raptors Will Attempt To Trade Bargnani By July 1

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 12:42:33 EDT

Masai Ujiri will aggressively attempt to trade Andrea Bargnani before July 1 as his top priority now that he is general manager of the Toronto Raptors.

Bargnani is owed $10,750,000 in 13-14 and $11,500,000 in 14-15. Bargnani also has a five percent trade kicker.

The Raptors can use their amnesty on Bargnani during the second week of July if they are unable to trade him.

DeMarcus Cousins Wants To Remain With Kings

Fri, 31 May 2013 17:17:28 EDT

DeMarcus Cousins does not want to be traded from the Sacramento Kings, according to multiple sources.

Cousins has had a tumultuous career to date, but has shown the talent to become one of the NBA's best big men.

Vivek Ranadive's first call after being approved as the new owner of the Kings was to Cousins.

Cousins is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

Rockets Trying To Trade Thomas Robinson To Clear Cap Space

Thu, 30 May 2013 18:08:19 EDT

The Houston Rockets are attempting to trade Thomas Robinson in order to create salary cap space in order to pursue Dwight Howard.

The Rockets will accept the best offer to eliminate Robinson's $3.52 million salary for the 13-14 NBA season.

The Rockets would be able to sign Howard to a maximum contract starting at $20.5 million per season.

The Sacramento Kings traded Robinson to the Rockets just a few months after selecting him with the fifth overall pick.

The Rockets are mainly competing with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and possibly the Golden State Warriors to acquire Howard.

Magic Interested In Trading For Eric Bledsoe

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:04:10 EDT

The Orlando Magic are considering Trey Burke with the No. 2 overall pick, but sources say they are not sold on him with that high of a pick and could instead target Eric Bledsoe via tarde.

The Magic would be willing to trade Arron Afflalo for Bledsoe and the expiring contract of Caron Butler.

Afflalo would give the Los Angeles Clippers a more traditional shooting guard to pair with Paul in the backcourt.

With the No. 2 pick, the Magic could then target Victor Oladipo or Ben McLemore.

Cavaliers, Mavericks, Bobcats Interested In DeMarcus Cousins

Wed, 29 May 2013 12:59:59 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Bobcats and Dallas Mavericks are three teams that have interest in trading for DeMarcus Cousins if the new ownership of the Sacramento Kings decide to part ways with their most valued asset, according to sources.

The Bobcats are motivated to turnaround their long rebuilding situation and would surely be willing to build a package for Cousins around the No. 4 pick.

Cousins would be 'Plan C' for the Mavericks if they are unable to sign either Chris Paul or Dwight Howard.

Cousins is entering the final season of his contract before reaching restricted free agency.

Mavericks Could Trade Or Stash 13th Pick

Sat, 25 May 2013 19:23:11 EDT

Mark Cuban admitted on Saturday that the Dallas Mavericks could end up trading or stashing their 13th overall pick in this year's NBA draft.

To prevent the player's $1.66 million against the salary cap, the Mavericks might draft a player "to stash overseas somewhere," Cuban said.

"If you look at this like a two-year plan, then we think we're on track to have a great team by the end of next year," Cuban said.

Mavericks Looking To Trade 13th Overall Pick To Clear Cap Space For Howard

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:15:53 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks are hoping to trade the 13th overall pick in order to clear additional cap space to pursue Dwight Howard, according to sources.

The 13th overall pick has a cap hold of $1,655,300.

The Mavericks' future first rounder was traded to the Lakers in the Lamar Odom deal and is top-20 protected through 2017.

Hawks To Seek Sign-And-Trade Scenarios For Josh Smith

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:09:40 EDT

The Atlanta Hawks enter the offseason with Josh Smith's free agency amongst their most pressing issues.

The Hawks will likely seek sign-and-trade packages involving Smith in order to receive assets in return.

The Hawks also have cap space and are expected to pursue Dwight Howard.

Smith will be an unrestricted free agent.

Source Calls Griffin, Bledsoe To Celtics For Garnett, Pierce, Rivers Rumor 'Absurd'

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:26:15 EDT

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.

Report: Lakers' Plan A Is To Bring Back Team With Gasol

Sun, 05 May 2013 00:25:51 EDT

The Los Angeles Lakers' "Plan A" is to keep Pau Gasol and bring back the rest of the team, according to a report citing a source with knowledge of the organization's thinking.

Since the Lakers were swept in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs, Gasol talked openly about this season possibly being his last in Los Angeles.

Gasol is set to make upwards of $19 million next season.

Kobe Bryant has been a staunch supporter of Gasol, saying he believes the Lakers should keep the big man.

Gasol Hopes To Remain With Lakers

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:32:34 EDT

Pau Gasol has one season remaining on his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and hopes to return even though he could be dealt in the offseason.

"I would like to be a part of another championship team here, but it is not totally up to me," Gasol said.

"We could definitely get it done [if the roster stayed intact], but I would be pretty surprised if there was no changes whatsoever. I would be surprised if that happens."

Gasol said he had "certain desires that [Phil Jackson] would be chosen" to replace Mike Brown instead of Mike D'Antoni.

Gasol and Jackson remain in frequent contact.

Cavaliers Interested In Trading For LaMarcus Aldridge

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:10:56 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have held internal discussions of pursuing a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers for LaMarcus Aldridge, according to sources.

The Cavaliers have enough assets in the form of young players and picks to acquire a player of Aldridge's caliber, but the front office is said to value Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters higher than the rest of the NBA.

Raptors Would Likely Need To Include Asset To Trade Bargnani

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:04:41 EDT

Andrea Bargnani has $22.5 million remaining on his contract and sources say the Toronto Raptors would likely have to include an asset in order to trade him.

The Raptors pursued a trade of Bargnani throughout the season, something Bryan Colangelo even admitted.

Bargnani signed a $50 million extension with the Raptors in July of 2009.

Demps Not Ruling Out Eric Gordon Trade

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:39:40 EDT

Dell Demps said on Monday that the New Orleans Pelicans plan to use their cap space this summer and are open to trade possibilities -- even those that include Eric Gordon.

"We want to maximize opportunity to use cap space," Demps said.

Gordon signed a contract extension with New Orleans last offseason, but there have been rumors about the displeasure between he and the organization.

Gordon averaged 17 points and 3.3 assists in 42 games this season.

Mavericks Want To Upgrade At Point Guard, Center Before Next Season

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:50:22 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks would like to add a perimeter player capable of engineering their offense while also creating shots for himself and others.

“Look, we’ve been spoiled with guys like [Steve] Nash and Jason Kidd, and those are certainly big shoes to fill,” Donnie Nelson said. “And I think, you know, the quarterback position is one that we’re going to look very, very hard at. We’ve always liked players that are veteran, players that are smart, and having the ability to raise our collective IQ is also something that’s important to us.”

Nelson also covets a defensive center capable of protecting the rim and controlling the glass.

“We’re always into rim protectors and shot blockers,” Nelson said. “That certainly makes life a lot easier for everyone on the floor. But we’ve got six guys under contract. We’ve got three veterans and three young guys, and we’re in pretty short order going to try to address all of those available positions. … It’s free agency, it’s draft, it’s trade, and so we’ll turn over every rock in attempt to get where we need to be, which is not where we are right now.”

The Mavericks finished the season with nine players on expiring contracts.

Evan Turner Confident He'll Be Back With Sixers

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:48:09 EDT

Evan Turner believes he'll be back with the Philadephia 76ers next season.

Turner’s name has come up in several trade rumors.

"Not to be arrogant or cocky, but my name comes up, I believe, because of trade value in that situation," Turner said. "Regardless of whether I get heat for certain situations or certain bad nights and stuff, I still think I'm a valuable player in this league."

Turner averaged a career-best 13.3 points this season and was the only Sixer to start all 82 games.

"I'm just tapping the surface," said Turner, who averaged 7.2 points as a rookie and 9.4 last season. "The difference between 14 points and 18 points are a couple of foul calls. So people might agree that I get fouled a lot. So if I get to 18 points, that's all-star numbers."

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