Latest Buzz on Doc Rivers' Contract Negotiations and Hold-Up
An agreement between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Clippers was reached in principle on Sunday, setting in motion a trade that would send head coach Doc Rivers to L.A. in exchange for a future first-round pick.
However, as of Tuesday morning, Rivers has still not officially inked a deal with his new franchise. ESPN is reporting the language of the contract is still being negotiated, leading to a hold up on finalizing the exchange.
These finer details are likely to be sorted out soon and—barring any unforeseen setbacks—the trade will be completed in the near future.
However, until this happens, both organizations will be stuck in a state of limbo.
The Clippers are putting the finishing touches on a three-year, $21 million contract for their new head coach, which frees Boston from the three years and $21 million they owed Rivers as part of a five-year extension he signed in 2011.
Once finalized, the Clips will finally have the coach they have been searching for since Vinny Del Negro was let go earlier this offseason.
Getting a commitment from free agent Chris Paul should soon follow, as its widely expected the superstar point guard will re-up in L.A. as soon as Rivers is installed as coach.
With two key pieces secured for the next few years, the Clips can concentrate on contending in the weakening Western Conference. They will have a legitimate shot at winning it all in coming seasons, which is something that the Celtics cannot currently say.
Boston general manager Danny Ainge will have some tough decisions to make, as he not only has to conduct a search for a new coaching candidate, but figure out plans for veteran players like Paul Pierce.
The Truth will be due over $15 million if he isn’t cut before June 30, as he can be bought out for just $5 million prior to that.
There’s also the issue of Kevin Garnett, who will not be allowed to follow Rivers to Tinseltown, per league mandate. He has two years left on his contract, but could elect to retire.
Over the past few years, there always seemed to be a full-blown rebuilding effort looming on the horizon in Beantown. The Doc Rivers trade finally set the dominoes in motion and started the process in earnest.
Once the agreement is finally official, expect a host of sweeping changes to happen around the Celtics organization.
