In the wake of a collapse in talks between the Celtics and Clippers over the release of Doc Rivers from his contract, a source today told the Herald that discussions between the teams for Kevin Garnett are “probably” dead as well.

A long proposed swap of Garnett for Clippers center DeAndre Jordan had been given second priority during the Rivers discussions. But Garnett, who has veto power over any trade, may not have many other locations he will approve. The Clippers made sense to the 37-year-old center because of his home in Malibu, Calif., and the chance to continue playing for Rivers.

Asked if this could mean a Garnett return to the Celtics for next season, the source said, “KG in Boston is a very good option.”

The source stressed that none of Danny Ainge’s deliberations are linked. As such, Paul Pierce’s future as a Celtic remains uncertain. The team can buy out the Celtics captain for $5 million on or before June 30, and record $10 million in cap savings.

Asked about assertions from the Clippers that talks for Rivers are still alive, the source laughed and said, “No, it’s dead.”

The Celtics are insisting on a first-round draft pick — thought to be linked to the highly anticipated 2014 draft. The Clippers have thus far refused, offering only a second-rounder.

In the meantime, Rivers has returned to Orlando, Fla., for some much-needed family time. He is attending a summer basketball camp today for his youngest son, Spencer. It’s also the birthday of his wife, Kris.

But Rivers continues to communicate with Ainge, and is said to still be undecided about his future, now that the Clippers are probably not an option.

According to the source, Rivers’ deliberations are not necessarily connected to Ainge’s impending decisions about rebuilding and whether to bring back Garnett and Pierce.

“Doc knows that what the team is doing is unpredictable,” the source said.

