A three-team trade involving the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks almost fell apart last offseason due to the racial reservations of Donald Sterling.

The Clippers were acquiring J.J. Redick in a sign-and-trade in which Eric Bledsoe was deal to the Suns.

Sterling became reluctant to honor the agreement made by Doc Rivers because it was hard for him to see the value of paying $7 million per season for Redick.

"He thought it was too much to pay for a white player," said one source.