DeAndre and Doc Next. . .
One of the craziest things we’ve ever witnessed in sports this decade, was Doc Rivers refusing to trade his son Austin Rivers for Carmelo Anthony. The NY Knicks were even looking to take on an extra contract, just to get rid of Melo. However, Doc refused to include his son in any trade; which caused an internal rift with Chris Paul. This friction from the front office, would eventually spread throughout the locker-room; causing issues between Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.
Following those events, Steve Ballmer decided he wanted to make the Clippers a winning franchise and hired Jerry West to serve as an executive board member; meaning he would call the shots on roster moves. The team would eventually go onto hire Lawrence Frank as new president of basketball operations; along with Michael Winger getting title general manager.
Both positions were previously held by Doc Rivers, which was the worst thing the franchise could’ve done; in regards to having a chance at winning a championship earlier this decade. This was followed by a Chris Paul trade in the off-season on his request, as well as Blake Griffin being shockingly sent to the Detroit Pistons. With DeAndre Jordan seeking a max-deal at 30, Jerry West is looking to get him from off their books, which could include another trade with the Rockets.
However, tonight, the team finally made it known that they want to become winners, getting rid of Austin Rivers. The new deal sends him to the Washington Wizards for center Marcin Gortat – ending the first father-son coach-player relationship in NBA history. Considering the Clippers winning big on draft night with the back-court of the future in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson, this is the first of many moves we expect Mr. West to involve himself in.
Both on expirings, make about the same amount (Gortat $1M more)…seems like an obvious precursor to a DeAndre trade. https://t.co/Ic8niL5KHG
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 26, 2018