RealGM Basketball Wiretap

James Southerland To Workout For Eight Teams

Sat, 25 May 2013 12:12:55 EDT

James Southerland has scheduled eight visits over the next few weeks.

Southerland will work out for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz.

"He's visiting a bunch of teams," Southerland's agent, Mark Bartelstein said. "He's going to be very, very busy."

Southerland worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week.

Gentry Expresses Interest In Clippers Job

Fri, 24 May 2013 20:31:21 EDT

Alvin Gentry wants to be considered for the Los Angeles Clippers’ coaching vacancy.

"If you look at that job, it's probably the best one out there," Gentry said. "When you take into consideration the talent level that they have and what they did this year."

Gentry has spent time examining how Vinny Del Negro handled the team.

"They need someone who can manage egos, that's huge with that team,” Gentry said. “You need someone who can manage the bench. That bench has been great for them and pretty much won probably 10-12 games outright for them.

"And you need someone who can come up with plays at the end of the game, a little more ball movement maybe.”

Clippers Won't Renew Vinny Del Negro's Contract

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:16 EDT

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.

Clippers Expected To Pursue David West

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:23:16 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers are interested in signing David West this offseason.

The Clippers will have to entice West with the $5.15 million midlevel exception available to teams that are non-taxpayers.

West played with Chris Paul as members of the New Orleans Hornets.

The Indiana Pacers will be able to pay West more money to re-sign.

Clippers Have No Interest In Pursuing Dwight Howard

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:39:54 EDT

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.

Source: Del Negro To Meet With Sterling To Discuss Job Status

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:27:33 EDT

Vinny Del Negro is scheduled to meet with Donald Sterling over the weekend to discuss his job status, a league source said Friday.

Del Negro and Sterling are scheduled to meet in Los Angeles and a decision is anticipated shortly after.

Del Negro's contract expires June 30.

Source: Clippers Have Not Ruled Out Retaining Del Negro

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:56:32 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have not ruled out bringing back coach Vinny Del Negro, according to sources close to the process.

Donald Sterling will make the final call on Del Negro’s future.

Del Negro was hired by the Clippers in 2010 and owns a 128-102 record in three seasons with the team.

Barnes Betting On Paul Re-Signing With Clippers

Thu, 09 May 2013 02:07:14 EDT

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."

Source: 'Zero Chance' Chris Paul Bypasses Extra Guaranteed Year

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:58:04 EDT

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.

Suns Interested In Grant Hill For GM Job

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:42:25 EDT

The Phoenix Suns are interested in hiring Grant Hill to become general manager of the franchise.

The Suns fired Lance Blanks at the beginning of their offseason and have narrowed their other candidates down to Ryan McDonough and Jeff Weltman.

Hill has yet to decide if he wants to continue his playing career.

Hill played five seasons for the Suns before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers last offseason.

Clippers 'Very Confident' Of Chances To Re-Sign Chris Paul

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:21:34 EDT

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.

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.

Paul Already Trying To Convince Barnes To Stay With Clippers

Sat, 04 May 2013 20:24:45 EDT

Chris Paul has already spoken with Matt Barnes about staying with the Los Angeles Clippers.

"Chris and I have already been talking about it," Barnes said while speaking to reporters at the Clippers’ training facility on Saturday. "We talked about it on the plane last night. He's obviously the franchise player but we also talked about what I was thinking about doing. Without giving anything away, he was doing his job (in recruiting me)."

Paul and Barnes will be unrestricted free agents in July.

Paul refused to tip his hand when pressed for details about his plans.

"I don't know how this whole thing is going to play out," Paul said. "I'm going to pray about it. We'll see."

Source: Clippers Will Take 'About A Week' To Evaluate Del Negro

Sat, 04 May 2013 10:27:51 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers will take "about a week" to evaluate the season before making a decision on Vinny Del Negro, according to one source.

Del Negro, who is the final year of his contract, wants to return to the Clippers.

"It's something that I want to do, not something I have to do,” Del Negro said. “I enjoy it, I enjoy the competition, I enjoy seeing guys develop and come together as a team. A lot of things are thrown at you, that's for sure, but I love the challenge of it."

Gary Sacks declined to comment on Del Negro’s future.

"We just lost the game. We're going to let the dust settle a little bit and then evaluate everything," Sacks said. "Our coaches and players did a good job this year. But right after the game, I can't really comment on it."

Griffin Doesn't Mind Taking Backseat To Paul

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:23:00 EDT

Blake Griffin, who drew top billing during his rookie year with the Los Angeles Clippers -- and later increased his popularity by winning the Slam Dunk contest -- doesn’t mind taking a backseat to Chris Paul.

"Somebody tried to say last year, 'Man, you went from Batman to Robin real quick,'" Griffin said. "But honestly, to me, it was like, 'Batman and Robin always saved the day.'

"It's not about being the man. I just want to be a winner, and CP is going to help me be a winner.”

Griffin has had to adjust to fewer touches, different spots on the floor, and everything else that comes with trying to fit in as a second option.

"Playing with CP has changed the way I play, but for the better,” Griffin said. “It's still a work in progress, but I think it's making me a better player.

"I want to play with great players. I want to play with guys who want to win like he does."

Paul, Griffin Dealing With Thumb, Ankle Injuries

Wed, 01 May 2013 16:50:00 EDT

Chris Paul suffered a bruised left thumb in the Los Angeles Clippers' Game 5 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, but he is expected to start on Friday in Game 6.

"I'm cool, I'm good," Paul said. "I hit myself."

Blake Griffin, meanwhile, tried to play through a severely sprained ankle in Game 5, but he left the game early and could hardly put pressure on the ankle afterward.

An MRI and X-Ray on Griffin's ankle on Wednesday came negative, but his status is in doubt and he is day-to-day.

Lamar Odom will start in Griffin's place if Griffin is not able to play on Friday.

Scott Sterling's Death Ruled Accidental

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:17:11 EDT

The death of Scott Sterling, son of Los Angeles Clippers' owner Donald Sterling, was ruled accidental on Monday.

The report suggests that Sterling injected an "oral narcotic medication" that was intended to be taken orally.

Sterling was found dead in his Malibu apartment on New Year's night. 

Sterling was arrested in 1999 in Beverly Hills in connection with the shooting of childhood friend Philip Scheid.

Paul Admits Clippers Can't Afford To Keep Bledsoe

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:03:03 EDT

Eric Bledsoe had 15 points and six rebounds in just 18 minutes on Saturday when the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1. The 23-year-old guard shot seven of seven overall and helped the Clippers pull away in the fourth quarter.

Chris Paul is a free agent at season's end but is sounding more and more positive about re-signing with the Clippers. Even so, Paul knows the Clippers will have a difficult time keeping Bledsoe long-term -- much less past this season.

"There’s no way he can be here next year because we probably won’t have enough money to pay him," Paul said.

Bledoe has one season left on his contract.

"He should be a starting point guard in this league next year," Paul said of Bledsoe.

Billups Practices, Expects To Return

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:16:15 EDT

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chauncey Billups practiced Monday and expects to play on Tuesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Billups has missed the past eight games with a right groin strain.

"I feel good," Billups said. "I practiced and the whole thing. The last three days I've been doing everything that the team is doing and practicing and the whole thing. Barring anything crazy I expect to be out there."

Record Five Teams Have Had At Least 12-Game Win Streak

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:42:04 EDT

According to Elias Sports, the 2012-13 NBA season is the first in which five different teams have enjoyed win streaks of at least twelve games.

The New York Knicks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, extending their current run to 12 straight wins.

The Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and Thunder also had streaks of at least 12 wins this season.

Del Negro Refutes Notion Of Tension Between Players

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:59:34 EDT

Vinny Del Negro doesn't think the Los Angeles Clippers have an issue with tension between their players.

"There's always things that -- the frustration builds. There's no question. And Blake (Griffin) and Chris (Paul) especially are two of our All-Stars and our biggest pieces," he said before Sunday's game with the Lakers.

"I think it's also a good thing because there's some frustration there because we need to play better. If the frustration is everyone pulling in the same direction, it's a positive thing. And I feel that's the case. But it comes down to, enough talking. Go out and perform, go out and get the results that we expect. You have to be able to work together. The chemistry is very important. They have that. It hasn't been as consistent as any of us would like, lately. But it's something that I think the character in the locker room, and the people you're talking about, know that it's very important for everybody to be on the same page."

When pressed a bit further, Del Negro said: "There's not this big friction thing going on that everyone thinks."

Sources: Clippers Intrigued By Availability Of Stan Van Gundy

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:26:09 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers are intrigued by the availability of Stan Van Gundy, according to sources.

In five seasons with the Orlando Magic, Van Gundy compiled a .657 winning percentage while winning three Southeast Division titles and one Eastern Conference title.

Vinny Del Negro is operating on the final year of his contract and hasn’t been offered an extension by the Clippers.

Griffin Doesn't Want Clippers Hanging Division Banner

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 08:29:41 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have never won a division title, but they are just a win, or loss by the Golden State Warriors, away from one.

Blake Griffin is looking forward to making franchise history, but he doesn't want the Clippers honoring the achievement by hanging a banner at the Staples Center.

"I kind of have bigger goals than that for the team," Griffin said. "I think the team has bigger goals than that. We expected to win the division. We didn't come into this season thinking, 'Oh, it would be great if we could win the division.' We expected it. It's something to be proud of and maybe there's a banner that goes up (in the training facility), but it's not something that needs to go up in Staples [Center], and we don't need to hang our hat on that."

Every NBA team hangs division championship banners except for the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.

Grant Hill 'Leaning Toward' Retirement

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:26:52 EDT

Grant Hill, who has appeared in 27 games for the Los Angeles Clippers this season, is leaning towards retirement.

The 40-year-old signed a two-year, $4 million deal prior to the 2012-13 season.

He began the season on the inactive list after suffering a bone bruise to his right knee. He likely will not make it to that second contract year.

"Strong chance," Hill said of retirement. "I'm leaning toward it. I want to get to the end of the year and off-season and think about it but I'm pretty confident that's where my mind is right now. I've enjoyed it."

Blake Griffin Calls Effort Against Pacers 'Embarrassing'

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 08:59:15 EDT

A day after the Los Angeles Clippers lost to the Indiana Pacers, Blake Griffin was still upset with his team's effort.

"The effort by the starters was pretty bad," Griffin said after Tuesday's practice. "It was embarrassing for us."

Griffin didn't address reporters after the 109-106 loss, bypassing the postgame news conference.

The Clippers were trailing by 24 points in the third quarter Monday when Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro benched his starters and went with the team's second unit. The bench made it a game again before the Pacers pulled out the victory.

"You'd love to sit here and say it's a wake-up call and things will be different," Griffin said. "That's the idea and that's what we talked about and that's what we want to do moving forward but we have to prove that. I'm tired of saying that we got to do this and we got to do that, and then say we will and go back and forth. I kind of want our actions to speak for ourselves."

Sources: Del Negro Has Impressed Clippers With Lineup Adjustments Amid Injuries

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:37:27 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have been impressed with the job Vinny Del Negro has done this season managing the lineup despite many injuries, according to sources.

But whether or not Del Negro returns next season is largely tied to how the Clippers perform in the playoffs.

The Clippers' top offseason priority is to re-sign Chris Paul and all moves will be funneled through that situation.

Clippers Sign Maalik Wayns For Rest Of Season

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 11:12:25 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have signed Maalik Wayns for the remainder of the season.

Wayns has appeared in three games for the Clippers, averaging 3.7 points and 2.3 assists.

Vinny Del Negro Doesn't Believe Future Is Tied To Playoff Success

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:41:09 EDT

Vinny Del Negro believes he'll return to coach the Los Angeles Clippers next season and says that his future isn't tied to the club's postseason success.

"No, my future is great," Del Negro said. "I got a great future no matter what. I've been pretty fortunate, so I don't worry about that stuff so much. All those things take care of themselves. Wherever we finish, we're going to be prepared, we're going to be organized and we're going to play hard."

Del Negro isn't under contract past this season and the Clippers haven't discussed an extension with him.

"The expectations, sometimes, people get a little delusional in terms of how you're going to get there and what you're going to do," he said. "People get sick of the word 'process' but that's what it is. It's a long NBA season. You got to handle the injuries. You got to handle a lot of things. I feel we're in a pretty good position right now."

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