Having gone through the David Stern/Lakers debacle recently, Chris Paul understands the importance and fragile nature of trades extremely well. Knowing that having Kevin Garnett on the Clippers would be a massive step towards a possible NBA Finals run, CP3 did everything he could to try and get KG over to Los Angeles prior to the NBA trade deadline. Unfortunately CPS’s efforts fell short (for Clippers fans), but there is something endearing about star athletes trying to woo other star athletes.
According to the Boston Herald:
According to several accounts, though, talk between Ainge and the Clippers continued right up until the final hours yesterday. Garnett said during All-Star weekend that he would not waive his no-trade clause, and held true to his vow despite added pressure from Clippers guard Chris Paul.
According to a league source, Paul called Garnett and said that if he was open to joining the Clippers, then Paul would make it happen. Garnett, though, declined, expressing a desire to remain a Celtic.
Ainge’s wish list had been topped by the Clippers’ young duo of guard Eric Bledsoe and center DeAndre Jordan. The Clips, with an eye on trading part of the future for a deep playoff run now, focused their attention on Garnett.
But Garnett reportedly said no, to the relief of an entire Celtics locker room.