RealGM Basketball Wiretap

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.

Lakers 'Would Never Trade' Dwight To Clippers

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:50:45 EDT

The Los Angeles Lakers have rebuffed overtures from the Los Angeles Clippers about a sign-and-trade for Dwight Howard.

Howard and Chris Paul have reportedly been in touch about the possibility of playing with each other next season.

"They will never do it," said a source on the Lakers' interest in working with the Clippers on a Howard trade.

Howard will be a free agent and the Lakers hope to re-sign him.

Sources have told ESPN's Marc Stein that the Clippers would want to trade Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe to the Lakers for Howard. 

Sources: Doc Rivers To Clippers 'Far-Fetched' Possibility

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:08:55 EDT

Doc Rivers leaving the Boston Celtics to coach the Los Angeles Clippers is a "far-fetched" possibility that the Clippers' organization "doesn't see happening," according to executives.

Rivers has three seasons left on his contract with the Celtics.

“I don’t think so," one executive said. "It is very complicated. They [the Celtics] have a guy under contract. Maybe they’d let him out if this happened or that happened. It’s all very speculative.”

In this unlikely scenario, Danny Ainge would ask for compensation from the Clippers.

Report: Howard, Paul Want To Play On Same Team Next Season

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:43:29 EDT

Dwight Howard and Chris Paul have been in contact with each other in an effort to play for the same team next season, according to sources.

"They would love to play together if somebody can make it happen," one of the sources said.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers do not have the available cap space to allow Howard and Paul to team up. If the preference is to play together with the Clippers, they would have to acquire Howard via a sign-and-trade with the Lakers.

Sources say a trade package centered around Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe for Howard could be possible. Multiple sources insist Griffin is untouchable but he would almost surely be required for the Lakers to agree to a trade.

The Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks all have cap space, though acquiring both players would likely acquire both Howard and Paul to accept less than a full max contract. The Hawks would seemingly have the easiest path to sign both Howard and Paul under that scenario.

Howard has seemingly been uninterested in playing in his hometown of Atlanta.

Both Howard and Paul will be free agents for the first time in their careers this offseason.

Celtics Denied Clippers' Request To Speak To Doc Rivers

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:09:34 EDT

The Boston Celtics denied the Los Angeles Clippers' request earlier this week to talk to Doc Rivers about their head coaching job, according to a source.

Danny Ainge has rejected all official requests for Rivers, including from the Brooklyn Nets and now the Clippers.

Rivers is mulling over his future as coach of the Celtics.

Rivers has been leading the Celtics' pre-draft workout process.

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.

Doc Rivers, Clippers Have Mutual Interest

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:56:44 EDT

Doc Rivers has interest in leaving the Boston Celtics to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, according to sources.

The Clippers would put Rivers to the top of their list if he became available. The Celtics have not received a request from the Clippers to interview Rivers.

The Clippers are currently focused on talks with Brian Shawm Byron Scott and Lionel Hollins to replace Vinny Del Negro.

With Chris Paul becoming a free agent, the Clippers are looking to make a bold move at head coach.

Clippers Would Make Doc Rivers Top Candidate If He Leaves Celtics

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:27:12 EDT

Doc Rivers would be the top choice of the Los Angeles Clippers if he doesn't return to the Boston Celtics, according to sources.

The Clippers have not requested permission from the Celtics to interview Rivers.

Rivers has three seasons remaining on his contract with the Celtics at $7 million annually.

Donald Sterling could pay as much as $5 million per season, according to several executives.

The Celtics could ask for compensation in order for the clippers to hire Rivers.

Rivers has wavered over his decision on whether or not to return to the Celtics next season.

Byron Scott's Interview For Clippers' Vacancy 'Went Very Well'

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 01:31:31 EDT

Bryon Scott interviewed for the Los Angeles Clippers' head coach opening on Tuesday, according to NBA executives.

Scott met with Clippers president Andy Roeser, vice president of basketball operations Gary Sacks and director of basketball operations Eric Miller at the team’s practice facility.

"The interview went very well," according to one executive.

The Clippers are expected to interview Lionel Hollins and Nate McMillan on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

Scott coached Chris Paul for almost five seasons with the New Orleans Hornets.

Brian Shaw Identifies Clippers' Job As Priority

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:12:40 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers' head coaching vacancy is the priority of Brian Shaw, according to sources.

Shaw will meet with the Clippers on Tuesday.

Shaw was scheduled to meet with Billy King of the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, but it is unclear if that meeting will still take place with the team moving closer to a deal with Jason Kidd.

Billups: Blake Griffin 'Too Nice' On The Court

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:05:58 EDT

Chauncey Billups refused to say Blake Griffin is soft, but he admitted his Los Angeles Clippers teammate has been too nice on the court over the past two seasons.

"I don't agree that Blake Griffin is soft. But what I will say about Blake is that he's maybe too nice of a guy," Billups said. "Because there's been times in games where people take shots at Blake. And I tell him if that's me, you're going to have to take this two- or three-game suspension, and I'm going to punish somebody.

"That's just how I'm built. Blake is not really built like that. He's ... too soft of a guy inside for him to be like, 'All right, I'm just going to hurt somebody.' He just won't do it. I wish he would, and I think that people would look at him a lot different if he did that. But he's just not that kind of person."

Billups believes the Clippers would be benefit from bringing in a veteran big man to play alongside Griffin.

Chauncey Billups Seeks Front Office Role After Playing Career

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:23:55 EDT

MIAMI – In the twilight of a 16-year NBA career, Chauncey Billups believes that he would be successful as a head coach after he finishes playing, but he has instead always focused on becoming part of an organization’s front office.

“My desire was never to coach, but it’s funny because I’m actually coaching as I’m playing now,” Billups said Sunday night in a room inside American Airlines Arena. “Do I think that I could probably be a good coach because of my experiences? Of course, of course. I know how to handle different egos. I know how to manage guys’ expectations.

“I could be good, but my desire has always been a front office, president or GM role; [to] put the team together.”

Billups, 36, said in the Los Angeles Clippers’ exit interviews that he will spend the offseason continuing to improve his health and prepare for next season.

“As my career winds down, I’ll be open to anything,” Billups said. “I’d be best served in the front office.”

Billups Named NBA's First Teammate Of The Year Award Winner

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 19:25:52 EDT

Chauncey Billups has won the NBA's inaugural Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award.

"What better way to honor the life-long bond that developed between Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes than by naming this award after them," said NBA Commissioner David Stern. "The Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award recognizes friendship and selflessness among teammates and celebrates the legacy of Jack and Maurice."

In this year's award voting, Billups totaled 1,543 total points, including 64 first-place votes. Miami Heat forward Shane Battier finished second with 1,324 points (79 first-place votes), and New York Knicks guard Jason Kidd placed third with 1,048 points (42 first-place votes).

Rockets To Simultaneously Pursue Paul, Howard

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 12:12:19 EDT

The Houston Rockets plan on pursuing Dwight Howard, but they will simultaneously go after Chris Paul as well.

"They are targets No. 1 and 1A," said a source.

Both Howard and Paul are free agents, but the former has expressed more interest in signing with the Rockets.

The Rockets need to complete a few moves to offer a max contract, something they feel is likely. Houston won't have enough cap space to offer a max contract to both players.

Paul is close to James Harden from their time together on USA Basketball.

Shaw, Karl Considered Clippers' Top Candidates

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 20:17:39 EDT

Brian Shaw will interview with the Los Angeles Clippers for their head coaching vacancy as soon as Monday.

Shaw and George Karl are the Clippers top two choices.

The Clippers spoke with Lionel Hollins on Thursday and he remains a candidate.

Karl was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. The Clippers had been monitoring the situation and had preliminary conversations about asking permission to interview Karl.

Byron Scott and Alvin Gentry are also considered candidates.

Clippers Receive Permission To Interview Lionel Hollins

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:46:48 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have received permission to interview Lionel Hollins.

Hollins led the Memphis Grizzlies to the Western Conference Finals, but is unlikely to return.

The Clippers are searching for a replacement for Vinny Del Negro.

A source said, however, that Brian Shaw remains the leading candidate. Reports also indicate that the Brooklyn Nets have identified Shaw as their top candidate.

Hawks May Face Tampering Charge Due To Letter Mentioning Paul, Dwight

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:38:28 EDT

The Atlanta Hawks may have committed a violation of the NBA's anti-tampering policy by mentioning Dwight Howard and Chris Paul in a letter sent to prospective ticket buyers.

The letter was sent from the marketing department:

“Hot New Player news: Chris Paul and Dwight Howard.” It began with the statement: “The buzz around our offseason is more than heating up. With massive cap space, 4 draft picks, and free agency rapidly approaching, we sit in the best position in the NBA. Player interest is skyrocketing as the possibilities of landing Chris Paul & Dwight Howard become more and more of a reality.”

The letter also linked to an ESPN story reporting that Paul was unhappy with the Los Angeles Clippers.

“This is your opportunity to get on board before its (sic) too late. Once we solidify our signings there will be no seats left,” the letter added.

The NBA declined to comment on the situation.

Riley Nearly Picked Kaman Over Wade In Draft

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 18:21:47 EDT

Due to the success of the Miami Heat going small in last season's playoffs, Erik Spoelstra further embraced the concept in strategy and in personnel.

The Heat had the best regular season record in the NBA and posted excellent numbers, but their lack of size has been an issue against the frontcourt of the Indiana Pacers.

Pat Riley was sold on the practice by Spoelstra, though it went against his commonly believed notions of how to win in the NBA.

"Pat Riley is a guy that believes in having big men," said Windhorst in an ESPN podcast with Bill Simmons. "Pat Riley almost took Chris Kaman ahead of Dwyane Wade in 2003 because he knew how important it was to have a franchise center. At the time, Alonzo Mourning had just gone to New Jersey. If you look at Riley, he believes in the need to have a center."

Wade was selected by the Heat with the fifth overall pick, while the Los Angeles Clippers drafted Kaman sixth.

Jeff Van Gundy, Clippers No Longer Discussing Job

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 15:49:21 EDT

Jeff Van Gundy is no longer a candidate to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Van Gundy spoke with the Clippers on multiple occasions, but those talks have become dormant.

Van Gundy has had success in broadcasting since last coaching in the NBA with the Houston Rockets.

Sterling To Exercise Final Say On Clippers' Coaching Hire

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:24:41 EDT

While the management team of Andy Roeser, Gary Sacks, Gerald Madkins and Eric Miller will interview coaching candidates and offer a recommendation, Donald Sterling will ultimately be responsible for picking the next head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Sterling picked Vinny Del Negro in 2010 over  management's recommendation of Dwane Casey.

Alvin Gentry previously coached the Clippers and is well-liked by the front office.

Brian Shaw and Lionel Hollins are also candidates, while Byron Scott could be the candidate that wins over Sterling.

Jeff Van Gundy and George Karl could also become an option for the position.

Sources: George Karl's Job Status 'Unsettled'

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 14:15:51 EDT

George Karl's status as head coach of the Denver Nuggets has become "unsettled" following the departure of Masai Ujiri and the team's first round loss in the playoffs, according to sources.

Karl could begin next season on the hot seat after winning Coach of the Year this season.

Karl and the Nuggets have not had discussions about a contract extension.

The Los Angeles Clippers have had initial conversations with the Nuggets about Karl, but the two sides have yet to speak formally.

Grant Hill Retires From NBA

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 20:07:21 EDT

Grant Hill has announced his retirement from the NBA.

Hill most recently was with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Hill was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1997 and the All-NBA Second Team in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000. He also won the NBA’s Sportsmanship Award in 2005, 2008 and 2010.

Hill was the third overall selection in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.

Clippers' Front Office Takes Responsibility For Del Negro Decision In Response To Paul Report

Fri, 31 May 2013 18:03:05 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers quickly responded to an ESPN report that Chris Paul was unhappy with the organization with how he was being portrayed as responsible for the decision to fire Vinny Del Negro.

"The decision not to extend a contract to Vinny Del Negro was an organizational decision from the top down," Clippers vice president of basketball operations Gary Sacks said. "Our front office evaluated the season and Vinny's three years here before making this move, and our conclusion and feeling was that we needed a change."

Donald Sterling had suggested in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that the Del Negro decision was to appease Paul and Blake Griffin.

Paul can sign a five-year, $108 million contract with the Clippers as a free agent.

Source: Chris Paul Upset With Clippers' Organization

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:53:07 EDT

Chris Paul is angry with the Los Angeles Clippers' organization due to how he has been widely blamed for the dismissal of Vinny Del Negro, according to a source.

Paul will be a free agent and it is unclear if it will impact his decision, but the source said it could lead him to explore options elsewhere.

"He's angry right now and his anger is directed toward the Clippers organization," the source said. "Chris is a man of principle and if he feels like you've gone against his principles, it will affect how he feels about you. He's very agitated that his name has been put out there as the reason for Vinny's firing. He had nothing to do with it."

The Clippers can offer Paul a five-year, $108 million contract and it has been widely assumed that he would choose to re-sign.

The source said that Paul might be willing to accept a deal for less money due to the situation.

Donald Sterling implied in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that Paul and Blake Griffin were to blame for the decision to fire Del Negro.

Paul had refused to be involved in the Clippers' decision upon Del Negro.

"Chris made it abundantly clear to the Clippers that he did not want to be involved in any decision about Vinny's future," the source said. "And Blake had nothing to do with it either."

The Atlanta Hawks could be a contender to sign Paul if he considers leaving the Clippers. The Hawks could sign both Paul and Dwight Howard this offseason, though the latter has appeared resistant to the idea of playing in his hometown.

George Karl Targeted By Clippers, Could Be Angling For Extension With Nuggets

Thu, 30 May 2013 21:26:35 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers are internally discussing the possibility of pursuing George Karl for their head coaching vacancy, according to sources.

Karl is under contract with the Denver Nuggets with one year remaining. The Nuggets also hold an option that would trigger three additional seasons.

Sources say Karl has been eager to discuss an extension with the Nuggets after winning 57 games this season.

Jeff Van Gundy Contacted By Clippers

Thu, 30 May 2013 21:22:07 EDT

Jeff Van Gundy has been contacted by the Los Angeles Clippers about his potential interest in becoming their next head coach, according to sources.

Van Gundy hasn't coached since 2007 when he was with the Houston Rockets.

Those close to Van Gundy believe he would return to the NBA with the right opportunity, but it is unknown if he will interview and how interested he is in the Clippers.

Clippers Contact Byron Scott About Head Coaching Job

Thu, 30 May 2013 16:53:12 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers contacted Byron Scott this week about becoming their next head coach.

Scott has interest in the position, according to a source.

While no offer was made and talks were preliminary, the Clippers are currently putting a list together to take to Donald Sterling.

Chris Paul and Scott have remained close since their seasons together as player and coach with the New Orleans Hornets, and they met for a meal a few weeks after the Clippers' season ended in the first round.

21 NBA Teams To Compete In 2013 Vegas Summer League

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:52:37 EDT

The 2013 Vegas Summer League will be comprised of 22 teams and run from July 12 to July 22.

Atlanta Hawks (2010-12)
Charlotte Bobcats (2008, 2012)
Chicago Bulls (2005, 2009-12)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2004-12)
Dallas Mavericks (2005-12)
Denver Nuggets (2004-12)
Golden State Warriors (2005-12)
L.A. Clippers (2005-12)
L.A. Lakers (2007-12)
Memphis Grizzlies (2007-12)
Miami Heat (2010-12)
Milwaukee Bucks (2007-12)
Minnesota Timberwolves (2006-12)
NBA D-League Select (2009-12)
New Orleans Pelicans (2005-12)
New York Knicks (2005-12)
Phoenix Suns (2004-12)
Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12)
Sacramento Kings (2005-12)
San Antonio Spurs (2007-12)
Toronto Raptors (2008-12)
Washington Wizards (2004-12)

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Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:17:02 EDT

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