The Los Angeles Clippers are busy working out a trade that would send point guard Eric Bledsoe to either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for J.J. Redick or O.J. Mayo, depending on the situation. Bledsoe is the apparent heir to the Chris Paul thrown and has been giving quality production off the bench. While the Clippers appear content to send Bledsoe packing, one person might get in the way of that trade, head coach Doc Rivers.
Chris Broussard of ESPN.com is reporting that Rivers is a big fan of Bledsoe and might try and block a trade from happening. While Rivers does not intend on starting Bledsoe alongside Paul, he does feel like the point guard is essential in the Clippers making a bush for a title. The issue is that Rivers also likes Mayo as the two are scheduled to have lunch on Tuesday. Instead of Bledsoe, the Clippers might look to add either Caron Butler or Jamal Crawford in a trade package.
The Clippers have been looking at the Bledsoe situation for some time as the point guard is likely ready for a starting role. He also has an expiring contract and will be looking to get paid in the summer of 2014. Around that time, Los Angeles will be dealing with extensions surrounding Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. However, Rivers is not sold on the idea.
Redick is scheduled for a meeting with the Clippers this week as well and could be strong for the team. The Clippers have been looking for a wing shooter and Redick is a reliable 3-point shooter and a somewhat surprisingly good defender. Mayo is a bit more of an interesting case. He might not fit well with Crawford, making the trade scenarios complicated.
The Clippers have also targets Magic guard Arron Afflalo and Raptorts' DeMar DeRozan, although he might be sent packing to the New York Knicks. That situation is messier than this trade situation. Essentially the Clippers need another player or two added in a package that will convince Rivers to let go of Bledsoe. The front office is simply concerned that keeping Bledsoe for another year and not being able to match an offer sheet and losing the point guard for nothing in return.
The Clippers are certainly not done finalizing any kind of trade just yet. Rivers is playing a large part in all trade discussions and might just be the reason that Bledsoe stays in L.A.