Shortly after news broke of the trade talks between the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics being rejuvenated, the Clippers have reportedly backed out of negotiations, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com. Shelburne reported early Tuesday that league sources were optimistic that negotiations picked back up and that both sides would reach an agreement sometime this week.
The deal was built around the Celtics sending head coach Doc Rivers and future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett to Los Angeles in exchange for young talent. However, many factors, including the Clippers inability to reach an agreement with Rivers or part ways with up-and-coming talent, played a major role in the halting of the trade talks.
The Celtics were seeking DeAndre Jordan in exchange for Kevin Garnett, in addition to two first-round draft picks as compensation for granting Rivers a release from the final three-years of his contract.
The Boston Globe tweeted that Celtics president of basketball operations confirmed that negotiations on a deal between the two sides were officially over.
A source told ESPN that the two teams have no intention to negotiate once again and that the Clippers are prepared to find a coach elsewhere. Los Angeles is scheduled to interview Byron Scott on Tuesday and Brian Shaw on Wednesday, while owner Donald Sterling had already met with Lionel Hollins previous to negotiations with Boston and Rivers.
Sources close to the organization have confirmed to ESPN that the team expects to make a coaching hire either by the end of this week or early next week.
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