Just two days ago, rumors of Kevin Garnett retiring at the end of the season were floating around. Now, Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the Boston Celtics could be shopping their veteran center to Los Angeles for guard Eric Bledsoe and center DeAndre Jordon. While this trade would make sense for the Celtics, does it have a chance of happening?
While this trade is far from even beginning to be complete, the two teams have been in constanst discussion as the trade deadline approaches. One of the biggest hurdles to get over in order for the trade to happen is that Garnett would have to wave his no-trade clause in his contrace. Garnett is coming off a season where he originially claimed retirement was possible before signing another three-year deal. Garnett was just quoted saying that this would be his last All-Star game, leaving many to predict that he was retiring at the end of 2013. He would have to be willing to uproot everything and head to Los Angeles. Garnett could easily end this whole trade before it officially begins.
Garnett does have a good friend at the Clippers, Chauncey Billups. Garnett has a home in Malibu and the two players have become very close. The Clippers could hope that Billups is able to convince Garnett to waive the no trade-clause and help a young Clippers team who has a solid chance of making a deep playoff run.
The Clippers will also have to be willing to part with Bledsoe and Jordan, something they have been reluctant to do in the past. In order to get Garnett, they would definitely have to give up at least two players. The Clippers have been hesitant in trading Bledsoe until they were certain that Chris Paul was going to sign a long-term deal with team.
Garnett could help the Clippers by giving them a player with championship experience in the lineup. He can help spread the floor and open up the lane for Blake Griffin. Bledsoe and Jordan would give Boston the much needed youth they have been looking to get after Rajon Rondo went down with an ACL injury.
This trade essentially is in the hands of Garnett. If he refuses to be traded then everything is finished. However, if this does happen, the Celtics could find their way back into championship contention quickly.
