NBA

We're not ready to call the talks dead yet. It seems to be a posturing move by the Clippers in order to expedite a decision from the Celtics, but this is the latest development and it seems like the teams are moving backward rather than forward. The report has been confirmed by multiple outlets and Celtics GM Danny Ainge.

The Celtics have given up on Eric Bledsoe's inclusion in the deal, but now the "price to complete a deal could come down" to the Clippers surrendering two first-round picks rather than just one. Meanwhile, Boston has also reportedly "shown a willingness" to do the deal without the Clippers taking back someone like Jason Terry or Courtney Lee, but we're skeptical of that. If it gets done, the Clippers are prepared to give Rivers a five-year, $35 million deal to coach. Rivers does not want to be part of the rebuild and "has requested that Boston work out a compensation package to allow him to go to the Clippers," but Rivers is still reportedly "torn" about whether he'd stay with Boston if the deal falls through. It's all still very much up in the air. As things stand now, the deal that seems to be on the table is DeAndre Jordan and two first-round picks for Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers.

That seems rather obvious considering Pierce's buyout date of June 30, but it's worth noting that the team doesn't feel inclined to waive him outright without getting a return. Pierce's future will be a hot button issue until the team decides what to do with one of their biggest stars in history, and his fate will likely hinge on what happens with Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett.

According to Yahoo!, Rivers has asked that the Celtics work out a deal because he wants to coach the Clippers, and Yahoo! reports that the Clippers are prepared to give him a five-year, $35 million deal in order to take over. Boston reportedly wants two future first-round picks as compensation for Rivers, so if the deal goes through as structured currently, it would be DeAndre Jordan and two future first-round picks for Kevin Garnett and Rivers.

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.