Clearing some stuff up

[Smitty731]

I've seen a lot about how rumors are made up and fairy tales. And how no one has sources. I want to clear some stuff up pertaining to my specific role in the whole Griffin saga and how it went down.

1. Ran in to a contact at our hotel in Las Vegas. He fills me in that Boston has called on Griffin.

2. I check with another sources that is connected to both Boston and LAC and he confirms the same.

3. I check with a Clippers source who confirms that Boston initiated talks.

4. Go back to the first guy and he adds that Doc likes Rudy Gay and Boston and LAC are interested in a three team deal with the prime pieces being Griffin/Pierce to BOS, Crowder to SAC, Gay to LAC, but lots of work to be done on the additional pieces to LAC.

5. Run that by source #2 who has the same thing, but says to be cautious because a star trade is hard to pull off, a three team trade is hard to pull off, and that a three team trade featuring a star is VERY hard to pull off.

6. Re-confirm one last time with the LAC source who says everything I have is on the money, but the pieces are the hold up and LAC wants to talk BRK picks, which Ainge would rather not talk. But that isn't a deal killer.

Double check with each that they are all on the same page, all the while not sharing who the others are or what they've told me and letting them fill in the pieces. Then and only then did I put out my tweets. And that was risky enough as it was.

So to sum it up, the rumor pieces aren't like that at all. It might be as it goes through the media. But that is on us as readers/listeners as much as them for not tracing back to who originally put the story out there.

I also want to clear one other thing up: I'm not entirely sure I was first to share the Griffin talks, but I know I was up there. Boston, LA and Sacramento media picked it up very quickly and then things went from there. It was only a full day later that Sean Deveney reported it and then people took it as really legitimate.

I'm not bitter at all though. I have no real intention of ever being a newsbreaker. It isn't something I care to do and it was really, really stressful. I was genuinely shocked at how quick things snowballed. I've been on the radio several times/places before this, but things got much crazier after I put the Griffin stuff out there. And one thing I am 100% consistent on is that I own it. Since I put it out there, I've heard from several others who have different sources and have the same information. So, I know for certain there have been talks. That doesn't mean a trade is coming for sure, but talks are the first step.

I figured this might help clear things up and give a bit of insight in to the process. After hearing from a lot of veteran media guys, the process plays out basically the same way. Sometimes you chase it down, sometimes it comes to you, but the rest is the same.

For those of you who have been supportive and had my back and continue to, you have no idea how much that means to me. Everything this past year has been kind of crazy and I didn't really expect it. But I've enjoyed all of it. Well almost all of it. Threats against me and my family are a little tough to take. But in reality, it comes with the territory. Mostly I want to say thanks to all of you for the support and encouragement!

[Asian Celtic]

Maybe the BKN picks is really the holdup. BK18 gets this done. thanks smitty!

[canman1971]

Great insight. Thanks for sharing. I would think most rational people would understand that talks take place all the time, but most times nothing ever happens. It's the nature of pro sports. Not sure why people would not understand that.

[jordb2k7]

I've seen a lot about how rumors are made up and fairy tales. And how no one has sources. I want to clear some stuff up pertaining to my specific role in the whole Griffin saga and how it went down.

1. Ran in to a contact at our hotel in Las Vegas. He fills me in that Boston has called on Griffin.

2. I check with another sources that is connected to both Boston and LAC and he confirms the same.

3. I check with a Clippers source who confirms that Boston initiated talks.

4. Go back to the first guy and he adds that Doc likes Rudy Gay and Boston and LAC are interested in a three team deal with the prime pieces being Griffin/Pierce to BOS, Crowder to SAC, Gay to LAC, but lots of work to be done on the additional pieces to LAC.

5. Run that by source #2 who has the same thing, but says to be cautious because a star trade is hard to pull off, a three team trade is hard to pull off, and that a three team trade featuring a star is VERY hard to pull off.

6. Re-confirm one last time with the LAC source who says everything I have is on the money, but the pieces are the hold up and LAC wants to talk BRK picks, which Ainge would rather not talk. But that isn't a deal killer.

Double check with each that they are all on the same page, all the while not sharing who the others are or what they've told me and letting them fill in the pieces. Then and only then did I put out my tweets. And that was risky enough as it was.

So to sum it up, the rumor pieces aren't like that at all. It might be as it goes through the media. But that is on us as readers/listeners as much as them for not tracing back to who originally put the story out there.

I also want to clear one other thing up: I'm not entirely sure I was first to share the Griffin talks, but I know I was up there. Boston, LA and Sacramento media picked it up very quickly and then things went from there. It was only a full day later that Sean Deveney reported it and then people took it as really legitimate.

I'm not bitter at all though. I have no real intention of ever being a newsbreaker. It isn't something I care to do and it was really, really stressful. I was genuinely shocked at how quick things snowballed. I've been on the radio several times/places before this, but things got much crazier after I put the Griffin stuff out there. And one thing I am 100% consistent on is that I own it. Since I put it out there, I've heard from several others who have different sources and have the same information. So, I know for certain there have been talks. That doesn't mean a trade is coming for sure, but talks are the first step.

I figured this might help clear things up and give a bit of insight in to the process. After hearing from a lot of veteran media guys, the process plays out basically the same way. Sometimes you chase it down, sometimes it comes to you, but the rest is the same.

For those of you who have been supportive and had my back and continue to, you have no idea how much that means to me. Everything this past year has been kind of crazy and I didn't really expect it. But I've enjoyed all of it. Well almost all of it. Threats against me and my family are a little tough to take. But in reality, it comes with the territory. Mostly I want to say thanks to all of you for the support and encouragement!

I always believed in you for what it's worth and quite frankly was appalled by some of the things I saw here. This board has been dead since and not much fun, I've not visited much myself. I don't want to cause any trouble with this question so feel free to ignore if you'd rather not go there or send me a message...do you have any idea if talks are still going on? Do you think Yabu going overseas gives any insight into this or irrelevant? I personally feel like Zeller is the one to watch, and depending what happens there will tell us. It's hard to imagine that no one has given the guy an offer or anything with all the money being thrown out this summer. IM guessing but I feel like Ainge has been in constant contact with the agent and Z working out something to make everyone happy.

Thanks again Smitty I enjoy following you on twitter, very insightful and knowledgeable stuff.

[dlamb8888888]

Thanks for the insight. Your posts are one of the main reasons I have been frequenting this board so much recently. It sounds like the Griffin to Boston talks were/are legit, but nowhere near the 99.7% chance that deadmik3 would have everyone believe.

[Smitty731]

I always believed in you for what it's worth and quite frankly was appalled by some of the things I saw here. This board has been dead since and not much fun, I've not visited much myself. I don't want to cause any trouble with this question so feel free to ignore if you'd rather not go there or send me a message...do you have any idea if talks are still going on? Do you think Yabu going overseas gives any insight into this or irrelevant? I personally feel like Zeller is the one to watch, and depending what happens there will tell us. It's hard to imagine that no one has given the guy an offer or anything with all the money being thrown out this summer. IM guessing but I feel like Ainge has been in constant contact with the agent and Z working out something to make everyone happy.

Thanks again Smitty I enjoy following you on twitter, very insightful and knowledgeable stuff.

Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated!

I don't think the Yabusele signing in China is related at all. It doesn't really impact things. I'm not sure the talks are extensive as they once were, but often silence speaks volumes.

Others have brought it up, so I'm not breaking anything here, but it was around this time that the KG stuff heated it up and that trade was made official on 7/31. I remember that quite well, because that is my birthday. I'd be down with another birthday present again this year if you're reading Danny!

[Tai]

Never understood the threats, myself. One thing to not believe someone, but being a hardo like that? Oh well.

Very good stuff though, Smitty. Definitely sounded like you've had quite the adventure, too.

[Smitty731]

Thanks for the insight. Your posts are one of the main reasons I have been frequenting this board so much recently. It sounds like the Griffin to Boston talks were/are legit, but nowhere near the 99.7% chance that deadmik3 would have everyone believe.

Yeah talks and the putting a % on them is always tricky. And it takes two to tango. Boston may be motivated, but if the trading partners aren't, nothing might happen without a significant overpay.

[Captain_Caveman]

Don't worry about it.

They are all idiots who deserve to be ignored lol.

[greenroom31]

Never doubted you, and I've been around long enough to know that (1) a rumor doesn't guarantee a trade will happen, and (2) it doesn't mean the rumor was "fake" if it doesn't go through. Appreciate you sharing the information you came across.

My only piece of advice to you is to simply ignore the people who want to argue with you about credibility. I think across the entire board if we had all just completely ignored the people who posted "This is BS" over and over again and let the mods handle it behind the scenes things wouldn't have snowballed so badly.

It seems like things have cooled off a little bit with the talks but there's definitely still time to get deals done, so I'll keep patiently waiting to see what happens.

[LarryBirdsFingr]

Keep it up man, we all enjoy your stuff. Read your full article on Horford too this morning. Great writing man, don't let the haters bring you down.

[truth18]

Don't worry about it.

They are all idiots who deserve to be ignored lol.

Word. Well said.

[LarryBirdsFingr]

Don't worry about it.

They are all idiots who deserve to be ignored lol.

lol exactly. under the bridge type creatures.

[Smitty731]

I have a pretty thick skin and can ignore things for the most part. But everyone has their limit. I hit mine that day.

[ViperGTS]

I bet it was a quick conversation. BKN 17 and '18 Danny? Danny says no way. They say okay that's it. I bet that's the most that's been talked about. Griffin isn't coming here. Neither is Westbrook. KG was craving a title at 30.

I fully believe Smitty has sources, but I question just how far those talks have gone. Mannix says nothing's happened. Ian Thompson says zippo. Not even a chance. So I dunno. Keep it coming though, makes it interesting!

[Smitty731]

I bet it was a quick conversation. BKN 17 and '18 Danny? Danny says no way. They say okay that's it. I bet that's the most that's been talked about. Griffin isn't coming here. Neither is Westbrook. KG was craving a title at 30.

I fully believe Smitty has sources, but I question just how far those talks have gone. Mannix says nothing's happened. Ian Thompson says zippo. Not even a chance. So I dunno. Keep it coming though, makes it interesting!

Both Griffin and Westbrook want a title. No one might not want to win more than Westbrook. He's an absolute maniac who wants nothing more than to win. If they see Boston as the best chance, they could come.

FWIW, I think (I have no confirmation) that Mannix is talking more to the teams themselves. My sources aren't just team related. You get a lot more from other people than team's themselves. Unless you are Woj and Shams. Then everyone trips over themselves to give stuff to you. But those guys won't report until something is done.

[jfs1000d]

Good job Smitty.

All you reported was that they are working on it. Not that it was happening, or was about to happen.

People love rumors, but hate when the transaction doesn't complete, as if the rumor was incorrect.

If you got two independent sources that are locked down, go with it and get a backbone of steel.

[Chris4Vikes]

Appreciate you being here Smitty.

[tbceltics34]

I know me, along with many of the guys on this board appreciate what you do. I always look forward to your post and consider your information one of the reasons I frequently check back with this forum. Don't ever let those keyboard warriors get to you! I know it may be tough sometimes but don't let the haters get in the way of what you have passion for. I couldn't agree more with ignoring the trolls and letting the mods take care of em.

Keep it up man and I hope the rumors can keep coming. Only made it more exciting and gave us all something to talk about.

Also, killer piece on Horford! You did a hell of a job on that article.

[simon24]

I've seen a lot about how rumors are made up and fairy tales. And how no one has sources. I want to clear some stuff up pertaining to my specific role in the whole Griffin saga and how it went down.

1. Ran in to a contact at our hotel in Las Vegas. He fills me in that Boston has called on Griffin.

2. I check with another sources that is connected to both Boston and LAC and he confirms the same.

3. I check with a Clippers source who confirms that Boston initiated talks.

4. Go back to the first guy and he adds that Doc likes Rudy Gay and Boston and LAC are interested in a three team deal with the prime pieces being Griffin/Pierce to BOS, Crowder to SAC, Gay to LAC, but lots of work to be done on the additional pieces to LAC.

5. Run that by source #2 who has the same thing, but says to be cautious because a star trade is hard to pull off, a three team trade is hard to pull off, and that a three team trade featuring a star is VERY hard to pull off.

6. Re-confirm one last time with the LAC source who says everything I have is on the money, but the pieces are the hold up and LAC wants to talk BRK picks, which Ainge would rather not talk. But that isn't a deal killer.

Double check with each that they are all on the same page, all the while not sharing who the others are or what they've told me and letting them fill in the pieces. Then and only then did I put out my tweets. And that was risky enough as it was.

So to sum it up, the rumor pieces aren't like that at all. It might be as it goes through the media. But that is on us as readers/listeners as much as them for not tracing back to who originally put the story out there.

I also want to clear one other thing up: I'm not entirely sure I was first to share the Griffin talks, but I know I was up there. Boston, LA and Sacramento media picked it up very quickly and then things went from there. It was only a full day later that Sean Deveney reported it and then people took it as really legitimate.

I'm not bitter at all though. I have no real intention of ever being a newsbreaker. It isn't something I care to do and it was really, really stressful. I was genuinely shocked at how quick things snowballed. I've been on the radio several times/places before this, but things got much crazier after I put the Griffin stuff out there. And one thing I am 100% consistent on is that I own it. Since I put it out there, I've heard from several others who have different sources and have the same information. So, I know for certain there have been talks. That doesn't mean a trade is coming for sure, but talks are the first step.

I figured this might help clear things up and give a bit of insight in to the process. After hearing from a lot of veteran media guys, the process plays out basically the same way. Sometimes you chase it down, sometimes it comes to you, but the rest is the same.

For those of you who have been supportive and had my back and continue to, you have no idea how much that means to me. Everything this past year has been kind of crazy and I didn't really expect it. But I've enjoyed all of it. Well almost all of it. Threats against me and my family are a little tough to take. But in reality, it comes with the territory. Mostly I want to say thanks to all of you for the support and encouragement!

Interesting. Wow Doc is a horrible GM. I would have waited until Horford is available to be traded and ask for him first then other pieces.