Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have ramped up conversations on a James Harden, Darius Garland package with both sides motivated to executing a deal relatively soon, league sources tell me.

Portland Trail Blazers have fired Braiden Bell hours after naming him the new TV play-by-play broadcaster after racist tweets were discovered in his past as a teen.

Sources: Clippers were stuck at Miami airport yesterday for nearly 6 hours due to mechanical issues, which significantly delayed team’s arrival to ATL. A long travel day following another bad loss ended with teammates finding out in middle of night of Chris Paul’s departure.

Cleveland Cavaliers have interest in a second reunion with LeBron James with the appeal of the franchise’s greatest player finishing his career where it all started, league sources tell me.

Sources: LeBron James will be patient and open minded in selecting his next destination but the priority is having a realistic chance at competing for a championship. He remains committed to playing at the highest level.

Sources: New Orleans Pelicans are disappointing the market in informing teams that Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears will remain with the organization past Feb. 5 trade deadline.

Sources: Brooklyn Nets receiving $3.5 million from Los Angeles Clippers in the three-team trade involving Chris Paul and Toronto Raptors. CP3 is expected to be waived.

Sources: Weeks ago Chris Paul requested to have a meeting with Tyronn Lue to discuss allegations of being a negative presence on team. Lue refused to meet with him. Lawrence Frank traveled to Atlanta to deliver news of parting ways. Paul desired final season to be with Clippers.