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, Celtics Reopen Rivers-Garnett Talks

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:54:21 EDT

The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers have reopened talks on a deal involving Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett.

The Clippers broke off talks on Tuesday, reportedly due to uneasiness about the financial ramifications. But the Clippers returned to the table with the understanding Chris Paul seeks its completion.

Rivers was scheduled to meet with Danny Ainge on Wednesday.

In the discussed trade, the Clippers would send DeAndre Jordan and multiple picks to the Celtics for the right to hire Rivers and to acquire Garnett.

Garnett has a no-trade clause and will waive it to join the Clippers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rivers' Contract With Celtics Contains Non-Compete Clause

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 11:50:57 EDT

Doc Rivers has a non-compete clause in his contract with the Boston Celtics.

The clause reads that Rivers cannot work for another NBA team for the duration of his contract. Rivers has three years and $21 million remaining on the deal.

Danny Ainge could allow Rivers to leave and become head coach of another team in exchange for draft picks and cash considerations.

Sources: Celtics Will Consider Del Negro If Rivers Leaves

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:34:52 EDT

The Boston Celtics would consider hiring Vinny Del Negro if Doc Rivers decides to leave, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the situation.

Ainge is said to be is an admirer of Del Negro’s up-tempo philosophy.

“As a stopgap for that situation, sure,” said one source. “Vinnie would be the perfect person for what they need. All of the all-star coaches, or whatever you want to call them, are going, and knowing how Danny feels about him, (Del Negro) would be a good fit.”

Del Negro owns a career winning percentage of .533 in five seasons as coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers.

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.

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.

Sources: Rivers Open To Other Coaching Opportunities

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:58:08 EDT

Doc Rivers is open to other high-profile coaching jobs, according to sources with knowledge of his intentions.

According to one source, it’s fair to assume Rivers would want some measure of player personnel control if he were to accept a new job. 

Rivers is expected to announce his intentions within the next several days.

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.

Source: Doc Rivers Might Be Ready To Leave Celtics

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:14:24 EDT

Doc Rivers' status as head coach of the Boston Celtics for next season remains unclear.

"Doc loves coaching," a source told Chris Broussard. "He loves coaching in Boston. But he feels it may be time for a change."

Rivers appears to be waiting on whether the Celtics will bring back Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce next season.

Rivers Waiting On Ainge To Make Decisions On Garnett, Pierce

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 14:53:25 EDT

Doc Rivers is waiting on Danny Ainge to make several key decisions before fully committing to remaining as head coach of the Boston Celtics next season.

Ainge has to decide whether to renew Paul Pierce's contract by June 30th and whether to bring back Kevin Garnett. The Celtics may feel that this is the offseason to begin rebuilding.

Garnett has not had surgery on his left leg, believing rest is the best solution. Rivers and Garnett have an extremely close relationship.

Ray Allen Feels Vindication In Signing With Heat

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:50:33 EDT

Ray Allen believes his third NBA Finals appearance brings vindication, especially considering he left the Boston Celtics last season for the Miami Heat.

"You try to look at the situation a little bit closer," Allen said. "You step out on the limb every summer and a guy says, ‘am I going to go to this team or that team?’ For me, I guess there is a little bit of vindication because being here is where my whole hope was of doing last summer.”

Allen agrees Paul Pierce is in a difficult position this offseason because the Celtics could either trade or waive him.

"I guess he is at the mercy of what the team wants to do," Allen said.

Doc Rivers Unsure If He'll Return Next Season

Fri, 31 May 2013 16:10:56 EDT

Doc Rivers is still not sure whether he will return to coach the Boston Celtics next season.

"I don’t know that right now," said Rivers, who still has three years left on his deal. "I can’t make that decision now. I’m under contract and we’ll see.

"Honestly, I just can’t even think about that right now. So I don’t know.”

Danny Ainge has said he expects Rivers to come back.

Terrence Williams Confident He's Part Of Celtics' Future

Sat, 25 May 2013 19:42:16 EDT

Terrence Williams has spoken to Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers since he was arrested for brandishing a gun, and he believes that he remains part of the Boston Celtics' future.

"We talked about the future, and I was part of that. Everything else, is between us," Williams said.

Williams is slated to earn $948,000 if he makes the Celtics' roster next season, but the deal is not fully guaranteed.

Asked about the vote of confidence received from the Celtics, Williams said: "Very encouraging. Because everybody writes a million stories that I'm just this horrible person."

Celtics Set To Workout Six Point Guards, Four Centers

Fri, 24 May 2013 20:48:55 EDT

The Boston Celtics will host six point guards and four centers for draft workouts this weekend.

Point guards Shane Larkin of Miami, Phil Pressey of Missouri, Pierre Jackson of Baylor, Peyton Siva of Louisville, Erick Green of Virginia Tech, and Myck Kabongo of Texas are scheduled to attend.

The centers expected to participate are Jeff Withey of Kansas, Steven Adams of Pittsburgh, Colton Iverson of Colorado State, and Greg Echenique of Creighton.

The Celtics have the No. 16 pick in the June 27 draft.

Celtics Deny Request From Nets To Interview Doc Rivers

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:11:16 EDT

The Boston Celtics have denied a request from the Brooklyn Nets to interview Doc Rivers for their head coaching vacancy.

Rivers has three years and $21 million remaining on his contract.

Danny Ainge declined to comment on the interest Rivers is receiving from the Nets.

"Doc has told me he's coming back," Ainge said. "I talk to him almost every day about our team and what we are going to do moving forward."

Terrence Williams Arrested For Threatening Mother Of Child, Brandishing Gun

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:44:31 EDT

Terrence Williams was arrested on Sunday in Kent, Washington after making alleged threats to the mother of his child while also brandishing a gun, according to police.

At about 1:55 p.m., police were called to the home of the victim, who has a 10-year-old son with Williams, who was there for a scheduled visitation.

An argument broke out in the parking lot and Williams allegedly took out a gun.

Williams left before police arrived, but he was later taken into custody.

The Celtics signed Williams to a 10-day contract in February and was eventually signed for the remainder of the season and all of next season. Williams' contract becomes guaranteed if he isn't waived before Oct. 31.

Kevin Garnett To Rest Ankle Injury, Won't Have Surgery

Sat, 18 May 2013 02:12:45 EDT

After battling an inflammed left ankle late in the season, Kevin Garnett will continue to rest it and will not have surgery.

The Boston Celtics' medical staff is confident rest will heal Garnett's ankle.

Danny Ainge recently said the Celtics are awaiting for final word from Garnett about whether he will return for next season.

Sources: Mike Zarren Turned Down Offer To Become Sixers GM

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:20:39 EDT

Mike Zarren turned down an offer to become general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, two league sources said Thursday.

Zarren has served as the Celtics’ assistant general manager and team counsel for the past few years.

Danny Ainge hired Zarren as an unpaid intern in 2003.

"I don’t know all the details, but I know there was strong interest in Mike from Philly," said Ainge. "I don’t know why (he turned it down). You'll have to ask him."

Rivers To Remain With Celtics Next Season

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:32:17 EDT

Doc Rivers will remain as head coach of the Boston Celtics next season, his 10th with the franchise.

"Yeah (he'll be back), Doc and I are talking about our team next year," Danny Ainge said. "(No suspense) from my perspective. We've got a great coach. We've got a coach everybody would love to have and he's got three years left on his contract and I think Doc likes Boston, too.Coaches get tired, though. It's a hard job.

"You guys are the only one (who made it an issue)."

Rivers signed a five-year extension two years ago, but left open the possibility of stepping down following the Celtics' elimination in the playoffs.

Raptors Request Permission To Interview Tyonn Lue For Assistant Job

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:14:16 EDT

The Toronto Raptors have requested permission to interview Tyronn Lue for a position on Dwane Casey's coaching staff.

Lue has been an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics since 2009.

Ainge Anticipates Rivers, Garnett Will Return To Celtics

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:09:40 EDT

Danny Ainge expects Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett to be back with the Boston Celtics next season.

"Doc is always unsure [about his future]," Ainge said. "Coaching is very, very draining. Every year with Doc, he's had to go home and sort of recharge and ask himself that question, 'Is this something that I'm passionate about and want to continue doing?' I understand that. And we sorta give him time to unwind and relax, and after a couple of 92s on the golf course, he usually comes back."

Ainge is equally optimistic about Garnett, who has one year remaining on his contract after next season.

"I do the same thing as I do with Doc: I give him some time away and I'll touch base with KG probably sometime next week," Ainge said. "He's put so much into the game, he invests as much as any player I've ever seen. And he just needs time to chill and contemplate his life and then we'll talk at some future time. But I do anticipate that KG will play. Just like I did last year, I feel the same this year. I don't know for sure, but we'll know more in the next couple weeks."

Suns Hire Ryan McDonough As GM

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:47:18 EDT

The Phoenix Suns have hired Ryan McDonough as general manager.

McDonough will replace Lance Blanks and will report to Lon Babby.

McDonough most recently was assistant general manager of the Boston Celtics.

McDonough joined the Celtics in 2003 as a 23-year-old special assistant to basketball operations.

McDonough is the son of the late renowned Boston Globe columnist Will McDonough, and the brother of ESPN broadcaster Sean and NFL player personnel executive Terry.

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