According to multiple sources, including Yahoo Sports, the Boston Celtics are in trade negotiations with the Los Angeles Clippers to send Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett to Los Angeles, along with Boston head coach Doc Rivers.
The final obstacle to getting a deal done is the Clippers’ willingness to send point guard Eric Bledsoe to Boston as part of the blockbuster trade.
As it currently stands, Los Angeles would send center DeAndre Jordan and two first-round picks to Boston in exchange for Garnett and the right to hire Rivers as head coach.
Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling is prepared to pay Rivers a $7 million annual salary, which would match the money in his Boston contract. Rivers has three years and $21 million left on his Boston deal.
Per NBA rules, Rivers cannot be part of a player trade, but perhaps the Clippers’ offering to include draft picks, and possibly the up-and-coming Bledsoe, would entice the Celtics to let the Boston coach out of his contract.
According to Yahoo Sports’ sources, the Boston Celtics and Rivers want a conclusion to this situation, and there is pressure to complete a deal within the next two days or perhaps walk away completely.
It is unknown if this complex deal with actually be completed, however these possible transactions could have a big impact on whether Clippers’ point guard Chris Paul chooses to remain with the organization.