The Clippers are intent on re-signing free agent Chris Paul and they are doing just about everything in their power to make it happen. They’ve been in several trade discussions to bring not only great players but a great coach to the team in order to satisfy the All-Star guard. Read more after the jump.
One of the major trade scenarios involved the Boston Celtics. The Clippers would send DeAndre Jordan, two first-round draft picks and cash for Kevin Garnett and the right to hire coach Doc Rivers. Garnett would waive his no-trade clause in order to join Rivers and the Clippers would pay Doc the $7 million per year salary he currently earns with the Celtics.
The Celtics however want guard Eric Bledsoe added to deal but the Clippers are hesitant. It turns out the Clippers want to hold on to Bledsoe in order to include him in a deal with Blake Griffin that would bring Dwight Howard to the Clippers in a sign-and-trade which would have to be done after July 1.
ESPN’s Chris Broussard reported that Chris Paul and Dwight Howard wanted to play together and this would fit in with the Clippers plan to retain Paul. According to Y! Sports Adrian Wojnaworski sources said Lakers have fully resisted Clippers overtures on a sign-and-trade for Dwight Howard, “They will never do it”.
There are also reports that the Clippers want Paul Pierce added in the deal but his part would be taken care of after Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett. Pierce can be bought out of his Celtics contract for $5 million.
There are many hurdles to cross with each deal and the Clippers and Celtics could each elect to walk away. If the Clippers continue to feel that the Celtics are asking for too much for Doc Rivers they can decide to hire one of the three finalists they’ve recently interviewed. They’ve narrowed it down to Lionel Hollins, Brian Shaw and Byron Scott with Hollins being the frontrunner for the job.
There’s a lot of logistics in each deal whether they’ll proceed or fall through should be seen in the next couple of days.
