Ever since the Boston Celtics hinted that Kevin Garnett was available, teams have been calling all day trying to gauge just how available the veteran is. The Celtics originally tried to get rid of Garnett in the trade including Doc Rivers to the Los Angeles Clippers. That package was denied by the NBA and Garnett remained on the team. But now that teams think he could be on his way out of Boston, they are inquiring. The Brooklyn Nets were reportedly the first to pick up the phone.
The New York Daily News reports that Nets general manager Billy King was the first to call the Celtics to determine if Garnett really was available and if he would be interested in playing alongside Deron Williams in 2013. According to the report, the Celtics offered up no response, uncertain of what the next team move will be. The call was not necessarily to establish rights to Garnett, but more to see just how interested he would be in moving to Brooklyn.
Garnett is a rare case in the NBA, having one of the few contracts containing a no-trade clause. He holds all of the cards in his career. He has said in the past that he would consider waiving it for the right move. He was apparently ok with the possibility of playing out in Los Angeles, so now he remains constantly on the trade block.
The Nets interest in Garnett makes total sense. He is a 15-time All-Star and a former MVP with plenty of postseason and championship experience. Brooklyn has been interested in getting a strong power forward. Garnett can still contribute while also being a respected and strong voice in the locker room. The team thinks he fits the mold.
Garnett's future could likely be decided by what happens with Paul Pierce. If he returns to Boston then Garnett will likely return and defer from playing anywhere else. However, Pierce is the subject of numerous trade rumors involving the NBA Draft and could possibly be out of Boston by the end of the week. If he goes, Garnett will likely follow, fully dismantling the Big 3 in Boston.
Garnett would like to finish his career with a team that is bound for the postseason. That is more appealing than ending his career a year early or playing for a team that is rebuilding. Los Angeles was a solid option and Brooklyn could become a strong postseason team with the addition of the veteran.
