The Indiana Pacers have cooled on the idea of trading Danny Granger, for now: “A number of teams have been linked to Granger recently, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets among others. It’s no surprise that Granger is in the rumor mill, especially considering the Indiana Pacers’ success last year when he was sidelined with a left knee injury for all but five games and the fact that Granger is about to enter the final year of his contract at $14,021,788. However, sources close to the situation in Indiana have made it clear that the Pacers aren’t in any rush to trade Granger. If Indiana decides to move the eight-year veteran, it will likely be after the season starts and closer to the trade deadline rather than making any move over the offseason. Before the Pacers decide on Granger’s future, they want to see how the former All-Star can play alongside the much-improved Paul George. If the two players can co-exist and play well together, they may not move Granger at all.”
The blockbuster Clippers-Celtics trade may come down to the inclusion of an extra draft pick, according to Yahoo! Sports: “After pushing for the Clippers to take back long-term contracts, the Celtics relented and have shown willingness to complete the deal for DeAndre Jordan and two first-round draft picks, sources said. The Clippers are willing to give the Celtics Jordan and one draft pick, but were resisting a second future pick, sources said. The two teams are planning to talk again on Tuesday morning, and the fragile negotiations could climax over the draft pick compensation, sources said. If the Clippers become the championship contenders that they expected this trade will make them, the additional draft pick would likely be near the end of the first round.”
In Chad Ford’s latest mock draft, he has still has the Cleveland Cavaliers selecting Nerlens Noel No. 1 overall. His reasoning: “The Cavs have been talking to teams for weeks about a trade, but they are finding a limited market and at this point are likely to keep the pick. Sources in Cleveland strongly suggest that the Cavs have yet to make their decision. Anthony Bennett, Ben McLemore, Victor Oladipo, Otto Porter, Alex Len and Noel all have visits and/or workouts scheduled in Cleveland this week. Noel is scheduled to visit the team Thursday and has a chance to seal the deal as the No. 1 pick if he performs well. Noel remains on top because he fits the profile of a player the Cavs prefer to draft — the player with the most long-term upside. That’s why they picked Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters at No. 4 the past couple of years and why Noel remains the favorite. Sources say Noel’s strongest competition right now is Len, whom some in the organization favor because he, too, has size and defensive ability, but he’s less raw and should be cleared to play much sooner than Noel.
On the contrary, however, SheridanHoops’ own Joe Kotch believes the Cavaliers are more likely to select Alex Len of Maryland first overall: “Sources continue to insist that if the draft were held today and Cleveland makes this pick that Len would edge out Ben McLemore, Anthony Bennett and Nerlens Noel. The Cavs apparently feel that Len’s ability on both ends of the court better mix with budding star Kyrie Irving and would give the team the dynamic combo it needs to push for the playoffs. As reports continue to surface about McLemore and Noel and their circles, the Cavs seem more inclined to take Len, who still has room to develop. Len is a long and lengthy defender who can block shots and rebound, though not at the impactful level of a healthy Noel. Len’s signature right now is his developed offensive game in the post and facing the basket. With Irving and Len, Cleveland could have a really impressive pick-and-pop game.”
Ford, 2-5: Oladipo (Orlando), Porter (Washington), Bennett (Charlotte), McLemore (Phoenix)
Kotch, 2-5: Oladipo (Orlando), Porter (Washington), Noel (Charlotte), McLemore (Phoenix)
Ben Baroff is a basketball journalist who blogs for SheridanHoops.com. Follow him on Twitter here.
Pacers don’t have enough cap to re-sign David West right now (about 6 Million). Unless West gives Pacers a significant discount, they may have no choice but to move Granger and take back less $. Alternatively they could try to give away Gerald Green without taking back salary.
Regarding Doc Rivers, Clippers will continue to call Boston’s bluff. They should go ahead with their coaching search. I don’t think Doc is much better for Clippers than Lionel Hollins and he would save Sterling a lot of $. It was written that Celtics want to get rid of Rivers because he wouldn’t get along with Rajon Rondo with KG not around.
I still expect KG to be traded to Clippers for Jordan. Unless Celts plan to bring back both Pierce and KG, LAC has all the leverage. Celts will not make playoffs for many years to come.