The Los Angeles Clippers quickly responded to an ESPN report that Chris Paul was unhappy with the organization with how he was being portrayed as responsible for the decision to fire Vinny Del Negro.

"The decision not to extend a contract to Vinny Del Negro was an organizational decision from the top down," Clippers vice president of basketball operations Gary Sacks said. "Our front office evaluated the season and Vinny's three years here before making this move, and our conclusion and feeling was that we needed a change."

Donald Sterling had suggested in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that the Del Negro decision was to appease Paul and Blake Griffin.

Paul can sign a five-year, $108 million contract with the Clippers as a free agent.

Chris Paul is angry with the Los Angeles Clippers' organization due to how he has been widely blamed for the dismissal of Vinny Del Negro, according to a source.

Paul will be a free agent and it is unclear if it will impact his decision, but the source said it could lead him to explore options elsewhere.

"He's angry right now and his anger is directed toward the Clippers organization," the source said. "Chris is a man of principle and if he feels like you've gone against his principles, it will affect how he feels about you. He's very agitated that his name has been put out there as the reason for Vinny's firing. He had nothing to do with it."

The Clippers can offer Paul a five-year, $108 million contract and it has been widely assumed that he would choose to re-sign.

The source said that Paul might be willing to accept a deal for less money due to the situation.

Donald Sterling implied in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that Paul and Blake Griffin were to blame for the decision to fire Del Negro.

Paul had refused to be involved in the Clippers' decision upon Del Negro.

"Chris made it abundantly clear to the Clippers that he did not want to be involved in any decision about Vinny's future," the source said. "And Blake had nothing to do with it either."

The Atlanta Hawks could be a contender to sign Paul if he considers leaving the Clippers. The Hawks could sign both Paul and Dwight Howard this offseason, though the latter has appeared resistant to the idea of playing in his hometown.

The Los Angeles Clippers are internally discussing the possibility of pursuing George Karl for their head coaching vacancy, according to sources.

Karl is under contract with the Denver Nuggets with one year remaining. The Nuggets also hold an option that would trigger three additional seasons.

Sources say Karl has been eager to discuss an extension with the Nuggets after winning 57 games this season.

Jeff Van Gundy has been contacted by the Los Angeles Clippers about his potential interest in becoming their next head coach, according to sources.

Van Gundy hasn't coached since 2007 when he was with the Houston Rockets.

Those close to Van Gundy believe he would return to the NBA with the right opportunity, but it is unknown if he will interview and how interested he is in the Clippers.

The Los Angeles Clippers contacted Byron Scott this week about becoming their next head coach.

Scott has interest in the position, according to a source.

While no offer was made and talks were preliminary, the Clippers are currently putting a list together to take to Donald Sterling.

Chris Paul and Scott have remained close since their seasons together as player and coach with the New Orleans Hornets, and they met for a meal a few weeks after the Clippers' season ended in the first round.

The 2013 Vegas Summer League will be comprised of 22 teams and run from July 12 to July 22.

Atlanta Hawks (2010-12)
Charlotte Bobcats (2008, 2012)
Chicago Bulls (2005, 2009-12)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2004-12)
Dallas Mavericks (2005-12)
Denver Nuggets (2004-12)
Golden State Warriors (2005-12)
L.A. Clippers (2005-12)
L.A. Lakers (2007-12)
Memphis Grizzlies (2007-12)
Miami Heat (2010-12)
Milwaukee Bucks (2007-12)
Minnesota Timberwolves (2006-12)
NBA D-League Select (2009-12)
New Orleans Pelicans (2005-12)
New York Knicks (2005-12)
Phoenix Suns (2004-12)
Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12)
Sacramento Kings (2005-12)
San Antonio Spurs (2007-12)
Toronto Raptors (2008-12)
Washington Wizards (2004-12)

The Orlando Magic are considering Trey Burke with the No. 2 overall pick, but sources say they are not sold on him with that high of a pick and could instead target Eric Bledsoe via tarde.

The Magic would be willing to trade Arron Afflalo for Bledsoe and the expiring contract of Caron Butler.

Afflalo would give the Los Angeles Clippers a more traditional shooting guard to pair with Paul in the backcourt.

With the No. 2 pick, the Magic could then target Victor Oladipo or Ben McLemore.

Mike Malone is the top candidate currently being considered by the Sacramento Kings to become their next head coach, according to two sources.

Malone has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors.

The Los Angeles Clippers are the biggest competition for the Kings for the services of Malone. The Clippers have been in touch with Malone's agent and is expected to interview.

The Kings may be willing to hire Malone before deciding upon a general manager.

The Los Angeles Clippers will pursue multiple big name candidates before opening their coaching search, according to a source.

Among those candidates are Jeff Van Gundy, Stan Van Gundy, Brian Shaw and Lionel Hollins.

Alvin Gentry, Byron Scott and Michael Malone are also considered candidates for the Clippers.

James Southerland has scheduled eight visits over the next few weeks.

Southerland will work out for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz.

"He's visiting a bunch of teams," Southerland's agent, Mark Bartelstein said. "He's going to be very, very busy."

Southerland worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week.