HoopsHype.com Rumors

Boston Celtics

Visit the HoopsHype Forums to discuss the latest news and rumors in the NBA.

» Tuesday, June 18 2013

As reported by CSNNE.com earlier, Rivers is expected to look long and hard at a return to broadcasting which was something he did after he was fired in Orlando. Rivers may also sit out this year and take a sabbatical, something he has talked about doing at some point during his coaching career. CSNNE.com

Sources said that the Clippers' preference, meanwhile, is to try to push through a trade for Garnett without taking back Lee or Terry -- which would enable L.A. to hang onto Caron Butler's $8 million expiring contract -- and then in a separate transaction send just one first-round pick to Boston as compensation for letting Rivers out of the final three years and $21 million left on his deal. The Celtics, sources say, have taken the stance that -- after relenting on Bledsoe -- they need some salary-cap relief by shedding at least one of those long-term contracts or at least two first-round picks to give up both Rivers and Garnett, who would then waive his no-trade clause to complete the trade. ESPN.com

The financial investment in this deal for Los Angeles is unprecedented for the franchise, and it could be giving it 11th-hour pause. The Clippers must pay a $3.5 million trade kicker on Jordan's contract and finalize an agreement with Rivers on a five-year deal worth approximately $35 million, league sources said. Yahoo! Sports

Rivers is still torn over whether he would stay with Boston should this deal fall apart, sources said. Boston runs the risk of being unable to find another team that Garnett, 37, will waive his no-trade clause to join. He's willing to accept the deal to the Clippers for several reasons, including his fondness for playing for Rivers and a chance to play for a contender near his Malibu home. Yahoo! Sports

A source close to Rivers told the Globe that Rivers is still grappling with the decision, especially as the trade gets more complicated and negotiations more contentious. The talk of the Clippers acquiring Paul Pierce in the trade are remote, especially since the Celtics would have to honor his deal and send him to the Clippers with a $15 million salary. Boston Globe

The consensus around the league is that a decision on this has to be made this week and Rivers is looking worse by the day because of his indecisiveness. Boston Globe

 

Any rumor missing? E-mail us at   hoopshype@hoopshype.com.