Remember that KG-to-Boston deal that was killed after Garnett said he wasn’t interested in playing for the Celtics?
Well, it’s back on…sort of.
That deal would have included the C’s #5 pick in this summer’s draft, but it was sent to Seattle in a trade that brought Ray Allen to Boston. Ironically, that might have been the trade that made KG re-think his position:
A Celtics official went so far as to confirm to the Boston Globe’s Jackie MacMullan that a deal was in place.
Multiple sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves are believed to be getting Al Jefferson and Theo Ratliff’s expiring contract.
It’s believed that the latest incarnation of the deal also would have Minnesota acquiring youngsters Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair and Ryan Gomes.
The Wolves would also receive a future first-round pick from Boston and take back the future first-round pick it sent to the Celtics in the Wally Szczerbiak-Ricky Davis trade in January 2006.
Sources indicated late Sunday that Garnett was warming to the idea, raising hopes on both sides that the deal will finally go through.
See the deal in ESPN’s Trade Machine.
Understandably, Garnett is more willing to consider Boston now that the C’s have two All-Stars (Allen and Paul Pierce). If the deal goes through as described, that would leave the likes of Tony Allen, Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins, along with draft picks Gabe Pruitt and Glen “Baby” Davis, to fill in the holes around the team’s Big 3. While that list isn’t exactly oozing with talent, it does have some upside that could contribute to a championship-caliber squad. The Celtics would basically need to find a point guard and a center capable of meshing with Garnett, Pierce and Ray Allen.
If this deal goes through, it will have a huge impact on the pecking order in the East. The Celtics would immediately rise to contender status in the conference. For the ‘Wolves, the combination of Al Jefferson, Gerald Green and Ryan Gomes plus two first round picks is reasonable compensation for KG. The team will now build around Jefferson, Randy Foye and Corey Brewer (and to a lesser extent, Green and Gomes). In a few years, that team should be able to compete for a playoff spot.
But Kevin McHale will find a way to screw it up, right?
