NBA

The Celtics have conceded that they won't pry Eric Bledsoe away from the Clippers, but so far they aren't budging on the inclusion of Terry or Lee. It's possible that a third team will get involved to facilitate a trade centered around KG, Doc Rivers and DeAndre Jordan, and Caron Butler could become part of the deal, but for now the two sides continue to negotiate and mull their options. Stay tuned.

Another source tells Dan Woike that talks are "moving forward fast," and it seems the Celtics are no longer insisting that Eric Bledsoe be included as long as the Clippers take back the contract of either Jason Terry or Courtney Lee. In addition to shedding salary, Boston's haul would include DeAndre Jordan and a first-round pick. There are still plenty of moving pieces and financial complications, but a deal is gathering obvious momentum.

Frank and Vinny Del Negro have been the two names thrown out for the Celtics if Rivers walks away, and neither would be a particularly inspiring hire. There have also been reports that the Celtics won't get a chance at Tom Thibodeau or Kevin McHale, but we're not really sure how those rumors got started anyway. Boston was never going to try and hire either coach for a rebuild.

The two sides are hopeful to find a resolution, but that doesn't mean it will happen. It doesn't mean that it won't happen either, so we're still in a waiting game as the two sides wait for the other to blink first.

It's their preference to keep the team together for one more season, but if GM Danny Ainge decides it's time to rebuild, the three will look to land on their feet together with the Clippers. It's not clear what direction this saga will twist in next, but we should have some answers sooner rather than later as neither side wanted this to drag on for too long.

For the moment, talks about a potential deal freeing Doc to sign with the Clippers have stalled. The Celtics owe him $21 million over the next three seasons, which is a lot of cash to walk away from, but it remains a distinct possibility.

Talks stalled once the Clippers refused to give up both Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan in a package for KG and the rights to sign Doc Rivers. Boston also wanted at least one draft pick, while asking L.A. to absorb the contract of Jason Terry or Courtney Lee. The negotiation could resume at any time, but ESPN's sources suggest that the Clippers will wait until "Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest" before moving on from Rivers and hiring Lionel Hollins or Brian Shaw.