Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
After pushing for the Clippers to take back long-term contracts, the Celtics relented and have shown willingness to complete the deal for DeAndre Jordan and two first-round draft picks, sources said. The Clippers are willing to give the Celtics Jordan and one draft pick, but were resisting a second future pick, sources said.
The two teams are planning to talk again on Tuesday morning, and the fragile negotiations could climax over the draft pick compensation, sources said.
If the Clippers become the championship contenders that they expected this trade will make them, the additional draft pick would likely be near the end of the first round.
…
Boston had to move Courtney Lee (three years, $16.2 million left on his deal) or Jason Terry (two years, $10.6 million), for the expiring contracts of Caron Butler ($8 million) or Willie Green ($1.4 million), but the Clippers refused to take on the additional salary in any combination and the Celtics eventually moved back to the Jordan and two draft pick offer on Monday.
This has to be a joke, right? If Adrian Wojnarowski wasn’t the source of this story I would immediately discredit its validity.
There’s no way Danny Ainge can take this deal. No way. He’ll become a laughingstock among GMs.
Getting Eric Bledsoe in this deal was a reach to begin with. But not forcing the Clippers to take at least one multi-year contract is absurd. Even if they did take on Lee or Terry, I’d insist on 2 first round picks.
Refuse the offer. You think Clippers GM/PG Chris Paul will be happy if this deal blows up over a draft pick and the contracts of Courtney Lee/ Jason Terry? Last I checked, CP3 has yet to sign an extension with LA.
What’s the worst case scenario if this deal blows up? You force Doc Rivers to make a decision. I guarantee he retires. He’d be too embarrassed to return to Boston and explain his position.
With Doc gone, it’s possible Kevin Garnett could retire. His money would come off the books and provide some cap relief. Or with Doc out of the equation, maybe KG would expand his options for being traded. And then Danny Ainge can move Paul Pierce.
The rest of the links:
ESPN LA – Substantive talks, but no deal | Herald – Discussion rare as KG, Rivers await fates | Globe – Talks hit roadblock again |
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