Kevin Garnett seemingly put the kibosh on a potential trade to the Celtics when he told the team he didn’t want to play in Boston. KG doesn’t have a no-trade clause, but he can opt out of his contract after next season, so any team attempting to trade for him better be damn sure he wants to play there. If he doesn’t he’ll become a free agent next summer and go sign somewhere else.
The funny thing is, Boston would actually be a pretty good spot for KG. Paul Pierce is still effective and they have loads of young talent (Tony Allen, Delonte West, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Rajon Rondo, etc.), so the C’s would be instant contenders in the East. But after watching LeBron and the Cavs get unceremoniously swept in the Finals, it’s possible that, to Garnett, being “instant contenders in the East” doesn’t sound all that attractive.
He has now insinuated that he’d like to play for a warm weather contender, which has only fueled speculation of a trade to the Suns. Phoenix has been quietly exploring trades for Shawn Marion, who seems perennially unhappy and can also opt out after next season. Unfortunately for the Suns, Marion has made it clear that he doesn’t want to play in Minnesota or Boston, which has made a Garnett deal less likely.
It seems the Timberwolves want Amare Stoudemire as part of the deal (with some reports also including the Suns’ unprotected pick from the Hawks) before they’ll be willing to make a swap. The 24 year-old made a terrific comeback from microfracture surgery in both knees, averaging 20.4 points and 9.6 rebounds en route to 1st All-NBA team honors.
Free advice for the Suns: don’t make this deal.
I like KG as much as the next guy, and would love to see him jump the ever-sinking ship that is the Minnesota Timberolves (thanks Captain McHale!), but the Suns don’t need him. Let’s not forget, if not for Game 6 suspensions to Stoudemire and Boris Diaw, it might have been the Suns celebrating their first title a few weeks ago. They were heading home for Game 6, up 3-2 after winning Game 5 in San Antonio. They had the Spurs on the ropes, and almost beat them in Phoenix without Stoudemire and Diaw.
For any team that comes up short, there is pressure to make a move. Any move. It’s true, Garnett could make the Suns slightly better in the short term, but you’re talking about trading away a 24 year-old 1st team All-NBA player with a reasonable contract for a 31 year-old who is set to make $46 M over the next two years. Besides, the main reason for acquiring Garnett (his defense on Tim Duncan) isn’t that strong. Stoudemire’s defense is improving and he did a nice job on TD in the conference semis.
The Suns have to think long term. Sure, Nash’s window is closing, but what happens if they acquire Garnett? In three to five years when both players retire, the Suns suddenly become irrelevant. Keeping Stoudemire ensures that they’ll have a star to build around once Nash hangs ‘em up.
I know the thought of Garnett in a Suns uniform is tempting, but you just can’t trade Stoudemire away.
