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Celtics, Clippers restart trade talks

Doc Rivers could be headed to Los Angeles, along with Kevin Garnett, if the Celtics can complete a trade with the Clippers.Jim Davis/Globe staff/Globe Staff

The Celtics and Clippers have restarted talks to exchange Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett for players and draft picks for a third time, an NBA source said Wednesday evening.

After talks were declared dead Tuesday, the Clippers, reportedly with urging of star point guard Chris Paul, contacted the Celtics again about this usual exchange that would involved nine-year coach Rivers and aging veteran Garnett. Rivers met with Celtics president of basketball operations Wednesday about his future but it is uncertain whether those talks were interrupted by the Clippers reaching out or whether Rivers encouraged the two sides to resuscitate discussions.

Either way, Rivers could again be headed to the Clippers and Celtics fans will be subject to more uncertainty regard Boston's head coach. Rivers has never publicly stated his desire to leave Boston but privately intimated that he wanted to coach the Clippers.

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Paul, who is a free agent, apparently would re-sign a long-term extension with Rivers as Los Angeles coach. Rivers played for the Clippers during the 1991-92 season and privately believes his message may not resonate as strongly with the Celtics players after nine years.