The Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics reportedly have agreed upon a trade for Austin Rivers. Boston would need to clear roster space to take back two expiring contracts, which likely means newcomers Nate Robinson and Tayshaun Prince will be bought out.
Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald first reported the impending trade.
"Celts will send Austin Rivers to Clippers, but have to wait to clear roster space for two expiring contracts," Bulpett tweeted Wednesday night. "... Celtics will also get a second-round pick whenever the Austin Rivers deal gets done."
The deal is likely waiting on Prince and Robinson, both of whom Boston acquired this week in separate trades, to agree on buyout deals. Celtics president Danny Ainge purportedly has been in negotiations with both players to buy out their expiring contracts, and deals could be agreed upon by the end of the week. NBC Sports reported Wednesday morning Robinson had agreed to a buyout.
Boston acquired Prince on Monday in the three-team deal that sent Jeff Green to Memphis, and they traded Jameer Nelson to Denver on Tuesday night for Robinson.
It's uncertain which players the Clippers will send to Boston, but it would likely be the expiring contracts of Ekpe Udoh and Chris Douglas-Roberts.
As for the Clippers, coach and president Doc Rivers reportedly has been trying all week to acquire Austin, his son. The younger Rivers went to Boston over the weekend as part of the three-team deal that sent Green to Memphis.
Los Angeles was also linked to the Sacramento Kings in a potential trade to swap point guards.
"Kings looking to make a deal. No blockbuster but Ramon Sessions could be on the move," Jones tweeted Tuesday. "Jordan Farmar a possible target, per source."
The NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 19.
