Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
The Celtics are working on a multiyear deal with coach Doc Rivers that would bring him back for another run at an NBA title with Boston’s aging Big Three — and then keep him on the bench to work with the rebuilt roster that is expected to follow.
“Doc wants to be a Celtic and [president of basketball operations] Danny Ainge wants him to remain with the Celtics,” Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss told ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Broussard on Thursday night. “Nothing is imminent. Nothing is going to happen today or tomorrow. But there has been progress made toward keeping Doc with the Celtics for a few more years.”
The value of the contract is believed to be more than $6 million per year, a source told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher on Thursday night. That source along with another said that the negotiations were accelerated because of a perceived interest in Rivers by the Los Angeles Lakers, who likely have an opening to fill as coach Phil Jackson has said he plans to retire.
Ainge said on the radio earlier Thursday that the sides were working on a long-term deal. Neither Rivers nor his agent, Lonnie Cooper, responded to messages seeking comment.
ut Rivers, whose contract expires at the end of this season, told players after being eliminated from the playoffs on Wednesday night that he would return.
“I’m going to put this on the record,” point guardRajon Rondo said after the 97-87 loss to the Miami Heat eliminated the Celtics from the postseason. “Doc already committed that he was coming back with me so he can’t go back against his word. … We just signed a contract about 10 minutes ago.”
Rivers’ commitment is the biggest indication that Ainge will keep together the core of the team that won the 2008 title and returned to the NBA Finals in 2010, losing in seven games to the Lakers.
That was good news for the players.
“If we’re moving forward next year and trying to win a championship, he’s one of the main pieces,” Pierce said.
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