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Jeff Green-to-Memphis Grizzlies talks heat up - ESPN
Grizzlies got way better after this trade.
Grizzlies got way better after this trade.
In the bigger trade, meanwhile, sources say that the Celtics and Grizzlies, in a deal first reported by ESPN.com, are in the process of finalizing a swap that will send Green to Memphis in exchange for Tayshaun Prince's $7.7 million expiring contract and another future first-round pick.
It is possible, sources say, that Boston and Memphis will recruit a third team to join the final trade construction, but one source told ESPN.com that the trade will "most likely" happen with or without a third team.
Green was scheduled to start for Boston at Indiana but did not take the floor with his teammates and was ultimately pulled from the starting lineup and replaced by Jae Crowder.
Prince, meanwhile, was informed of the looming trade by Memphis officials but is expected to play for the Grizzlies in their Friday night game at New Orleans, which would pose no real issues for the Celtics because they're essentially taking him back for Green because he possesses an expiring contract.
ESPN.com reported earlier this week that the Grizzlies were aggressively pursuing Green or Miami Heat swingman Luol Deng in hopes of bolstering their wing rotation in the ever-competitive Western Conference. Green became the focus over the last 48 hours, sources said, when it became apparent that Miami was not yet ready to entertain offers for Deng, who is not even halfway through the first year of a two-year, $20 million contract.
The Celtics and Grizzlies, sources said, have been exchanging trade proposals on Green for some time, with Boston ultimately deciding that it was best to trade the 28-year-old now as they continue to stockpile future assets, since Green is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract in July and become a free agent, meaning he could potentially leave without compensation.
The Celtics are now armed with what's likely to be six first-round selections and 14 total picks over the next two drafts. Not only does that allow Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge to add to his intriguing young nucleus, but the picks will aid him in both maneuvering around the draft board and allow him to seek established talent via trades.
The Celtics are banking that their surplus of picks, some valuable trade exceptions, and developing young talent will help accelerate the rebuilding process that was stuck in neutral this season and prompted the change of direction that started with Rondo's departure last month.
It is possible, sources say, that Boston and Memphis will recruit a third team to join the final trade construction, but one source told ESPN.com that the trade will "most likely" happen with or without a third team.
Green was scheduled to start for Boston at Indiana but did not take the floor with his teammates and was ultimately pulled from the starting lineup and replaced by Jae Crowder.
Prince, meanwhile, was informed of the looming trade by Memphis officials but is expected to play for the Grizzlies in their Friday night game at New Orleans, which would pose no real issues for the Celtics because they're essentially taking him back for Green because he possesses an expiring contract.
ESPN.com reported earlier this week that the Grizzlies were aggressively pursuing Green or Miami Heat swingman Luol Deng in hopes of bolstering their wing rotation in the ever-competitive Western Conference. Green became the focus over the last 48 hours, sources said, when it became apparent that Miami was not yet ready to entertain offers for Deng, who is not even halfway through the first year of a two-year, $20 million contract.
The Celtics and Grizzlies, sources said, have been exchanging trade proposals on Green for some time, with Boston ultimately deciding that it was best to trade the 28-year-old now as they continue to stockpile future assets, since Green is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract in July and become a free agent, meaning he could potentially leave without compensation.
The Celtics are now armed with what's likely to be six first-round selections and 14 total picks over the next two drafts. Not only does that allow Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge to add to his intriguing young nucleus, but the picks will aid him in both maneuvering around the draft board and allow him to seek established talent via trades.
The Celtics are banking that their surplus of picks, some valuable trade exceptions, and developing young talent will help accelerate the rebuilding process that was stuck in neutral this season and prompted the change of direction that started with Rondo's departure last month.
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