Kevin Garnett, who played like he was in his 20s during the playoffs, is still undecided on his future, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, who spoke to the free-agent center last week, said.

Garnett is pondering retirement after 17 seasons in the league, however the 36-year-old intimated to Ainge he would most likely sign with the Celtics, if he was to return for another season.

"I hope that he wants to come back," Ainge told Boston radio station WEEI. "That's sort of been the indication that, if he's going to play, that he would like to come back to Boston. That's where we are right now.

"Kevin and I had a good conversation last week and the conversation was mostly on how he needs time before he makes that decision.

"I think we'll talk within the next week, but I'm not so sure that's a decision day for him. He may want to wait and see what sort of team we have. I'm not sure.

"I know that he wants to come back. I know he likes Boston, and I know he loves playing for (coach) Doc (Rivers). He loves everything about the team and the city and so forth. I think that his decision will be, 'Do I really want to play? Or do I not want to play'."

Ainge admitted Boston's off-season moves would hinge on Garnett's decision, which will need to be made by July 1, when the free agency opens up. "It is complicated and the timing is complicated. Juggling all these different scenarios is difficult.

"But the reality is that, on July 1, Kevin Garnett is on our books for $21 million until we either sign him to a new contract, or renounce him, which means we can't re-sign him. Otherwise, it really limits our cap space."

Ainge said Garnett would base his decision on his body and if he could take the rigors of the league over a full season again. "KG has said over and over again, he doesn't want to go out not being a significant player. He doesn't want to be eaten alive by new young players. And you can see his will.

"But, at the same time, I don't think people realize how hard it is for him to get ready to play. It's really draining for guys that age, to just prepare to play -- two or three hours worth of treatment, stretching.

"The days are different than when you are 25 or 30 and you just sort of wake up from your nap and show up to the gym and play. The wear and tear. It's what you eat, how you live, it is a season-long thing, and it's much more exhausting at that age."

Speaking about the draft, Ainge said Boston, which has two first round draft picks, will not trade up to go for Austin Rivers, Doc Rivers' son. "I think he's going to be a top-10 pick, he has a very bright future.  

"It's too high of a move, maybe a 15, 16 or 17, but even that isn't certain."