The Celtics aren’t interested in trading Jeff Green in spite of recent inquiries about the forward from the Clippers, Pelicans and Grizzlies, who view the C’s as sellers, according to USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt (Twitter link). That conflicts with a Wednesday report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, who wrote that the C’s were shopping Green in hopes of landing a first-round pick. Boston turned down an offer for Green and Rajon Rondo that included Jordan Hill and a first-round pick, presumably among other assets, from the Lakers, as Zillgitt reported earlier today.
The interest from the Clippers isn’t surprising, given their apparent need at small forward and reported interest in Corey Brewer, among other targets. The Pelicans were reportedly aggressive in trade discussions as of a few weeks ago, and they, too, could use help at small forward. The Grizzlies aren’t blessed with star-quality wing talent, either, but it’s somewhat odd to see them involved given their 21-4 record. It’s unclear what any of the three teams is willing to relinquish to acquire Green.
The 28-year-old former No. 5 overall pick is in the midst of strong year, averaging a career-high 19.6 points per game, and he’s far and away Boston’s leading scorer this season. Reluctance on the part of Boston to move him would seem to indicate that president of basketball operations Danny Ainge isn’t about to undertake an aggressive rebuilding even if he lets go of Rondo, though given the conflicting reports, it’s tough to get a read on the C’s strategy. Green is making $9.2MM this season and has a player option for the same salary next year.