The Los Angeles Clippers reportedly have discussed a sign-and-trade with the Brooklyn Nets for free agent Paul Pierce. Nets veteran Kevin Garnett, who has one year left on his contract, could base his decision to retire on whether Pierce returns to Brooklyn next season.
Los Angeles became a rumored frontrunner to sign Pierce weeks before the start of free agency. The latest reports indicate the Clippers are indeed pursuing a reunion between Pierce and coach Doc Rivers via a sign-and-trade, according to Ramona Shelburne and Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
Per ESPN:
"The Los Angeles Clippers have engaged in conversations with the Brooklyn Nets to try to construct a sign-and-trade that would reunite small forward Paul Pierce with Doc Rivers, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
"Rivers, the Clippers president and coach, has had several conversations with Pierce since he became a free agent July 1.
"And while the Clippers could simply sign Pierce as a free agent using their midlevel exception at $5.3 million, they are interested in pursuing sign-and-trade scenarios that would allow Brooklyn to get something in return for the 10-time All-Star and because the Clippers already have so many small forwards."
Trading for Pierce, who's a Los Angeles native, would allow the veteran to sign with the Clippers for more than the midlevel exception since Brooklyn holds his Bird rights.
Shelburne and Youngmisuk reported the sign-and-trade would likely include a combination of Jared Dudley, Matt Barnes and Reggie Bullock, whom the Clippers drafted 25th overall in 2013.
Although recent reports indicate Garnett is leaning toward playing another season, his decision could ultimately hinge on whether Pierce returns to the Nets. Garnett, who purportedly waived his no-trade clause last season only because Pierce would be going with him to Brooklyn, could decide the loss of coach Jason Kidd and Pierce doesn't make suiting up for another season worthwhile.
Deals cannot be completed until July 10.
