David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
It’s no slam dunk, but talks continue between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics for a deal that would send coach Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett to L.A. in exchange for fifth-year center DeAndre Jordan and two future first-round draft picks, according to USA Today Sports, which reports an impasse has been reached.
It is also being reported that a resolution is expected to be met within the next few days.
What the holdout appears to be is whether or not Celtics president Danny Ainge feels he’s getting a fair exchange. Frankly, he’s not right now. The Clippers’ two first-round draft choices won’t mean much since they’ll probably be one of the best teams in the league.
The Clippers would make a stunning transaction by adding instant credibility with an outstanding coach and getting Garnett who, despite being 37, can give his new team two or three more quality seasons. Ainge should hold out for another Clippers player if he’s smart. He’s giving up two very important parts of what’s been a strong Celtics teams in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, the Clippers, with Rivers running the show, could make a run at the San Antonio Spurs for NBA West supremacy next season. Chris Paul will love this situation for the Clippers and will become an even better player. Rivers knows how to use his talent and he’s going to have plenty of it.
If this deal goes through, the Clippers will have landed a gold mine that could mean a future NBA title.
