Garnett on Trading Block?
David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE
It seems Kevin Garnett wants to stay put in Boston.
According to the Denver Post, the All-Star power forward has declined to waive his no-trade clause in a possible deal with the Denver Nuggets, squashing any doubt of a trade happening between the two teams.
Since the season-ending injury to point guard Rajon Rondo, rumors have swirled around the Celtics two superstars — Garnett and Paul Pierce — who the team hopes can convert into trading pieces at the Celtics disposal. And Boston’s President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge is looking at every trade scenario possible.
The Nuggets, on the cusp of Western Conference finals contention, are searching far and wide to fill a superstar need. In the past two weeks, the team has eyed Garnett as a suitor to their rotation.
The news comes as a bit puzzling to many considering the team was hoping to gain some financial flexibility this offseason if it couldn’t nab a superstar. And though we know Garnett is a drastic upgrade to their starting lineup, he is by no means a superstar anymore. The 36-year-old veteran is averaging 14.8 points, seven rebounds and one block per contest (down from 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in his career).
Garnett has shown interest to other teams. It was reported earlier this week that the 7-foot center would accept a trade to either of the L.A. teams. Though, at this point, it would seem that the Clippers (35-16) are the better suitors.
It has also been reported that the Celtics are taking a number of calls from different teams over the past week. It would be wise for them to listen, if not trade Garnett (and Pierce) altogether in one last ditch effort to revamp a franchise in decline.
As for the Nuggets, they have a slew of young and reasonably priced trading chips (Danillo Galinnari, JaVale McGee, Wilson Chandler and Ty Lawson) at their disposal. The problem is that Denver is a small market team with little appeal to seduce star players. Their best bet is to pony up considerable trade bait in hopes that one talented young star can lure another.
