The Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic remain active in discussions of a pre-draft deal involving Eric Bledsoe and Arron Afflalo , according to ESPN.com.
Clippers, Magic continue to engage in Eric Bledsoe trade talks
A deal could be imminent, but the Clips’ new head coach and executive, Doc Rivers, will likely a major say in any transaction.
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One caveat is that newly-signed Clippers head coach Doc Rivers is fond of Bledsoe, and may have the ability to influence any potential transaction with his expanded front office role in Los Angeles that will allow him to make personnel decisions.
The Magic are reportedly willing to offer a first-round pick and second-year forward Andrew Nicholson, and the Clippers may be inclined to look at such an offer due to the fact that Chris Paul is widely thought likely to re-sign. Keeping both he and Bledsoe in that case would be almost impossible financially.
In 197 career games over three seasons, Bledsoe has averaged 6.7 points, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He is known for his athleticism and has plenty of potential, making him a highly-coveted target among other teams. Afflalo, who played college basketball at UCLA, would bring perimeter shooting to the Clippers and a defensive presence on the wings, something LA sorely needs.
But again, any trade will have to be stamped with Rivers’ seal of approval given his new front office role. Regardless of how the situation unfolds, Los Angeles is clearly making conscious effort to turn their franchise around by letting sound basketball minds make the most important team decisions.
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