Report: Minnesota Timberwolves & Boston Celtics Close To Completing Kevin Garnett Trade
July 30 07
Fox sports reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics are very close to completing a trade for Kevin Garnett:
According to sources, the current deal on the table has the 6-foot-11 Garnett heading to Boston and the Celtics dealing away Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff’s hefty expiring contract and Rajon Rondo. There may also be other players and draft picks involved.
My Quick Take: The Big Ticket is on the verge of donning the historic green-and-white of the Boston Celtics. In fact, there are reports that the deal is actually done and Garnett will officially leave Minnesota for Boston in the next few days.
The Celtics’ Perspective:
Boston had tried to acquire Garnett at the end of the season, but the Hall of Fame forward rejected the deal because he had little interest in the rebuilding Celtics.
Things have changed with the team acquiring Ray Allen from the Sonics on draft day. Garnett, a 10-time all-star and former MVP, is now keen to partner up with Allen and Paul Pierce.
The Garnett, Allen, and Pierce combo would quickly help Boston become relevant in the Eastern Conference. After all, the new NBA model is about having three legitimate stars. And the Celtics ’ veteran core could match up against the league’s best.
This rumor shows that the Celtics have finally picked a direction. They’ve decided to max-out Paul Pierce’s career and will attempt to surround him with talented veterans.
Boston would be forking out close to 60 million dollars for their three stars. And the club would have to get Garnett to agree to an extension. He can opt out of his contract and become a free agent in the summer of 2008.
However, Boston would be giving up a lot. Al Jefferson showed flashes of greatness last year, posting 16 points and 11 rebounds in 69 games. He’s still young and Rajon Rondo has potential at the one-spot. And Theo Ratliff’s 11.7 million dollar salary would come off the books and provide the club with financial flexibility.
The Timberwolves’ Perspective:
Minnesota would be getting a nice package for Garnett. Al Jefferson, after dropping thirty pounds, put together a solid second half and could blossom into an All-Star. Rajon Rondo is a defensive point guard who continues to develop his offensive game. And every rebuilding team can use the cap space that Ratliff’s expiring contract would provide. The Wolves are also rumored to be receiving some draft picks from Boston.
Kevin McHale, the Wolves’ GM, is getting back a bit of everything: young players, cap relief, and draft picks. However, the key is Jefferson. He has the potential to anchor the Wolves for the next few years and could blossom into a legitimate star.
This is the best deal Minnesota can hope for. After all, Garnett can opt-out of his contract next summer and become an unrestricted free agent. The clock is ticking, so McHale better make this deal happen or the Wolves could get nothing in return.
Come back to HoopsVibe.com for more on this developing story.
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