Clippers talking trades with Celtics, Lakers

While the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics were talking trade on one front, the Clippers and cross-town rival Lakers were talking blockbuster of their own.

Late Saturday afternoon (Sunday, PHL time), ESPN reported sources said the Clippers were considering the idea of trading forward Blake Griffin along with prized young guard Eric Bledsoe in a sign and-trade to land Dwight Howard after July 1.

Earlier in the day there were multiple reports that the Clippers and Celtics were having "deep" talks that would bring coach Doc Rivers to the West Coast as well as Kevin Garnett and possibly Paul Pierce to the Clippers.

Garnett has a no-trade clause that he would waive to make the deal happen.

The Clippers were said to be offering a package of first-round draft picks as well as DeAndre Jordan for Garnett and the rights to hire Rivers. Because Pierce could be bought out, getting him into a Clippers uniform would be sorted out after the Garnett-Rivers acquisition is finalized.

Bledsoe appears to be the key. The Celtics want Bledsoe but the Clippers are balking at including the highly-coveted guard in the same trade.

ESPN also says Bledsoe could be part of a package the Clippers make to acquire Aaron Afflalo from the Orlando Magic.

Earlier in the week, reports surfaced that Howard and Clippers star Chris Paul have talked about playing together next year.

The Boston Herald on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time) said the Celtics are looking to wrap up a deal quickly, and reportedly want a deal in the next day or two or they might walk away.

The Celtics attempted to acquire Bledsoe and Jordan at the trade deadline but the deal fell through. -