Los Angeles Clippers president/head coach Doc Rivers is interested in acquiring free-agent small forward Paul Pierce and has begun talks with the Brooklyn Nets about a sign-and-trade deal, sources close to the situation recently told ESPN.com.
Clippers have engaged the Nets on S&T talks involving Paul Pierce. Story going up soon with @NotoriousOHM
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 3, 2014
The Nets appear interested in a sign-and-trade, but thus far have expressed disinterest in packages the Clippers have offered. Sources say the Clippers, who are loaded at the small forward position, have dangled packages that include combinations of Jared Dudley and Matt Barnes. Last year's first-round pick Reggie Bullock has also been mentioned in a possible sign-and-trade for Pierce.
Nets not interested in players Clippers proposing (J Dudley, M Barnes, Reggie Bullock) in sign-&-trade for Paul Pierce, source says — Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 3, 2014
The Clippers can offer Pierce its $5.3 million midlevel exception without any input from Brooklyn, but prefers a sign-and-trade deal that would allow the 34-year-old California native to earn more money next season. The 16-year veteran made $15.3 million last season with the Nets.
If the Clippers and Nets can't work out a deal, it's likely they will look to include an additional team to create a more attractive offer.
Pierce, 34, and Rivers built a strong relationship during their time together with the Boston Celtics. Rivers reportedly reached out to Pierce on July 1, the first day of free agency. Pierce joined the Nets last season after a 15-year run in Boston.
He averaged 13.5 points last season.
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