Garnett set to hit Boston boards

BOSTON, Massachusetts: Kevin Garnett was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Boston Celtics on Monday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported, citing an undisclosed Celtics source.

The deal brings together all-star forward Garnett with long-time Celtics playmaker Paul Pierce and veteran guard Ray Allen to make Boston a force to contend with in the NBA after years of struggles.

None of the three has ever been able to claim an NBA championship despite years of success on the court. And with all in their 30s, the chances to pull off a title run might hinge upon all of them coming together as a team.

Garnett was traded for forwards Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and Gerald Green, center Theo Ratliff, guard Sebastian Telfair as well as two future first-round NBA Draft picks, according to the report.

The Celtics were 24-58 last season, the NBA's second-worst record.

Garnett has the right to opt out of his $22 million contract after next season and solving that issue was said to be among the things that made the trade difficult to achieve.

But Garnett is expected to receive a multi-year extension and reportedly has agreed to waive a clause that would hurt the Celtics' under NBA salary cap rules.

The Celtics and Timberwolves had discussed the deal before last month's NBA Draft. Top executies Danny Ainge of the Celtics and Kevin McHale of the Timberwolves are friends from their playing days in Boston.

AFP

(China Daily 08/01/2007 page20)