The Los Angeles Clippers have engaged the Brooklyn Nets in sign-and-trade talks involving Paul Pierce according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. Nothing is imminent at this point, but Doc Rivers, who has front office powers with L.A., has kept in touch with Pierce.
The Clippers are still hoping to land Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James, but Paul Pierce remains a backup option for them. The Clippers do have the financial flexibility to sign Pierce straight up, but they would like to do a trade instead to clear up more cap space and unload some of their small forwards.
Doc Rivers has ties with Paul Peirce from their days in Boston, and the Clippers were targeting both Pierce and Garnett last off-season.
Some trade assets the Clippers may use in a possible deal would be Reggie Bullock, Matt Barnes, and Jared Dudley. They’ve also flirted with the idea of placing Jamal Crawford in a sign-and-trade deal, but it’s unlikely that he gets dealt for Pierce. The Clippers desperately want to upgrade their small forward position.
Paul Pierce, 36, averaged a career-low 13.5 points and 2.4 assists per game. However, the Clippers are confident that Pierce would flourish under Doc Rivers and accompany them with more leadership and ball handling responsibilities. Pierce is a feisty player and a great mentor. He would definitely help DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin grow even more as players.
Could we possibly see a Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce reunion? Stay tuned.