You may remember hearing some rumblings about this a few weeks back, but apparently the interest hasn’t died down. The Celtics and Clippers have been rumored as potential trade partners before, and that makes some sense. Boston is going to need to rebuild at some point, and the Clippers have a chance at a title for the first time in...well...forever.
With the trade deadline looming and every GM rubbing shoulders in Houston, it’s no surprise talks have been rekindled.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics are still discussing a trade for Kevin Garnett. This time, however, there’s a new wrinkle:The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers have been discussing a deal to trade forward Kevin Garnett for guard Eric Bledsoe and center DeAndre Jordan, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
There are differing factions within the Celtics and Clippers on the prudence of the deal, but the two teams have been in regular contact about the possibility, sources said.
Nevertheless, the biggest hurdle could ultimately center on Garnett’s willingness to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal to the Clippers.
Because of his home in Malibu, and a close relationship with Clippers guard Chauncey Billups, there’s hope that Garnett, a 15-time All-Star, could be coaxed into accepting a trade if an agreement is reached, sources said.
Via Adrian Wojnarowski | Yahoo! Sports
Now this is a little different. Clippers small forward Caron Butler was mentioned in the original rumors, but he’s been replaced by DeAndre Jordan -- which would obviously be a huge talent upgrade for Boston and an even bigger long term risk for the Clippers.
I’ve discussed my thoughts on trading Eric Bledsoe in this space before, but the inclusion of DeAndre Jordan would make this the ultimate “all-in” move for the Clippers, for better or worse. While no one denies the greatness of Garnett and the potential positive effect he could have on the Clippers this season, it’s a scary proposition for the Clippers to go into the offseason with Blake Griffin and no other player under the age of 31 under contract.
The “differing factions” Wojnarowski mentions loom pretty large here. Celtics GM Danny Ainge may love a deal like this, but that doesn’t mean Paul Pierce or Rajon Rondo would. Chris Paul and Vinny Del Negro, both on one year contracts, may like it, but Clippers management may not be doing backflips about it.
Stay tuned -- if one thing is certain, it’s that there is interest on both sides in some capacity.
