The Los Angeles Clippers tried to make a big splash at the deadline. With the team fighting for a playoff spot, the Clippers called up the Boston Celtics to try and acquire guard Kyrie Irving, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

That was quickly shut down by the Celtics.

“The Clippers made a preliminary call to Boston on Irving prior to the Harris trade to Philadelphia, league sources said. A quick no was given,” according to The Athletic.

Normally, a nugget like that wouldn’t amount to much. The Celtics didn’t entertain the idea because the Celtics are trying to win it all right now. Dealing Irving would have hurt their chances.

The timing of this rumor, however, is what makes it interesting. Why would this news get leaked now?

This report establishes one thing: The Clippers had interest in Irving a few months ago. That’s relevant because the 27-year-old Irving is set to be a free agent at the end of the season. While it initially looked like Irving would stay in Boston, he’s backed off those comments as the year has gone on.

If Irving does decide to listen to offers from other teams, he now knows that the Clippers have interest. Not only that, but he knows they wanted him even before he hit free agency. They were presumably willing to give up valuable pieces to get him.

Will that give the Clippers a leg up on Irving once the offseason begins? Who knows. But at least Irving knows one of his suitors.

The Clippers wanted to deal for Kyrie Irving. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) More

The Clippers won’t be the only team vying for his services. The Los Angeles Lakers are also expected to go after Irving, especially after Irving and LeBron James repaired their relationship this season. The Celtics are also candidates to bring Irving back.

Given the competition, the Clippers should be looking for any advantage they can to try to lure Irving away. Making sure Irving knows they wanted to trade for him at the deadline is a good start.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik

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