The Clippers have reportedly discussed trading for Austin Rivers, Doc Rivers’ son who was traded from the Pelicans to the Celtics last week.
But the hard-capped Clippers can’t easily add Austin’s salary, so they were looking for a third team to facilitate the deal.
They may have found it.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
Phoenix increasingly mention as a likely third-team participant so Celtics don't have to take back any salary in sending Austin Rivers to LA
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 15, 2015
Suns are believed to covet Reggie Bullock from Clippers. Clips would naturally prefer to make deal without surrendering Bullock. But ...
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 15, 2015
But Austin Rivers, I'm told, never reported to Celtics after deal because Boston pledged to get him to Clippers. And that remains the plan
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 15, 2015
For sake of Twitter clarity: Boston allowed Austin Rivers to wait at home because Celts made it clear they'd move him on in subsequent trade
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 15, 2015
The Clippers would have to send Boston a draft pick, likely a second rounder, for Rivers. Add the loss of Reggie Bullock – the No. 25 pick in the 2013 draft – and acquiring the coach’s son suddenly gets costly.
I understand buying low on someone who was the No. 10 pick just three years ago, but by the time the Clippers complete all the cap gymnastics necessary to land Rivers, how low will they actually be buying?
Complicating matters, all three teams have 15 players, the roster-size limit. The Celtics could free flexibility by completing expected buyouts of Nate Robinson and Tayshaun Prince, but neither is official yet.