For most of the Clippers' time in Southern California, they've been afterthoughts for the Lakers, but if the Clips' recent success hasn't fostered a rivalry, adding three prominent Celtics would certainly turn up the heat in Staples Center. We're a long way from seeing Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and especially Doc Rivers change from green into red and blue, but the idea has generated plenty of buzz in L.A. Here's the latest:
- Jamal Crawford wouldn't be a part of a trade for Garnett and Pierce, sources tell Arash Markazi of ESPNLosAngeles.com, who received an assist from Salary Cap FAQ Author Larry Coon to break down the feasible scenarios for a Clippers-Celtics blockbuster. In addition to the trades covered in the piece, Pierce could also become available to the Clippers via free agency if the Celtics decide to waive him by June 30th, as his $15MM+ contract is guaranteed for just $5MM until the end of the month.
- Lionel Hollins' basketball IQ, demeanor and ability to develop players left the Clippers impressed after a two-day interview, several NBA executives told Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
- In a separate piece summarizing the latest Clippers storylines, Turner passes along word from an unnamed executive who said the Clips "never expressed tremendous interest" in George Karl.
- TNT's David Aldridge expects Vinny Del Negro, the coach the Clippers are trying to replace, to quickly resurface in connection with another coaching job now that he's hired highly respected agent Lonnie Cooper (Twitter link).