NBA Investigating Trade Between Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers For Collusion

December 9, 2011; Westwego, LA, USA; A detailed view of the NBA logo and signature of the commissioner David Stern on a basketball on the first day of New Orleans Hornets training camp practice at the Alario Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

As if the potential (possibly pending) trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics didn’t have enough issues, now it’s being reported that the NBA is looking into the trade for possible collusion.

Per ESPN’s Marc Stein:

"Sources tell ESPN it’s been communicated to Celts & Clips that league has questions about proposed deals and appearance they are connectedNBA rules prohibit any trade/signing being made w/contingencies or side deals. Can Celts & Clips prove Doc & KG deals are “separate” moves?"

Being head coach Doc Rivers can’t officially be traded, the Clippers were willing to give the Celtics the draft picks as compensation for Rivers. However, per the NBA rules, it has to be proven that both deals are separate entities (which they’re obviously not).

Now, does the NBA turn a blind eye? Can the two teams convince the powers that be that the moves are completely separate? The NBA can be a stickler when it comes to trades as evidenced by the “power of the league” rule they envoked when the Los Angeles Lakers attempted to trade for Chris Paul, so it’ll be interesting to see what the league does about the said trade that according to Wojo, was simply waiting on owner approval.

Home/Boston Celtics