Kevin Garnett Trade Could Be On As Clippers Move To Sign Celtics Star
A Kevin Garnett trade could soon become a reality, according to a new Sporting News report.
The veteran Boston Celtics star has reportedly caught the attention of the Los Angeles Clippers, who are looking for an experienced head to guide them through the playoff jungle. Sean Deveney at Sporting News says the team has approached the Celtics about acquiring the 36-year-old, with Caron Butler and Eric Bledsoe set to go in the other direction. Deveney writes:
“Interest in Garnett is seen as proof the Clippers believe they can be a championship contender in the NBA’s Western Conference.”
As chance would have it, the Clippers will face the Celtics in Boston this weekend, meaning Garnett could face his potential future teammates on Sunday night.
A Kevin Garnett trade would face at least one significant obstacle: The veteran center has a no-trade clause in his contract, and would have to agree to waive it if any deal was to happen.
Acquiring Garnett would be a major boon for the Clippers. The center, who has 18 NBA seasons’ worth of experience to call upon, remains an impressively fit individual. He has started all 46 of Boston’s games this season, averaging 14.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, with 50.5 percent shooting from the field. He was NBA MVP in 2003-04 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2007-08.
Crucially, Garnett also has huge playoff experience. The Clippers were cruelly exposed during last year’s playoffs, with many pundits arguing the San Antonio Spurs took advantage of the Clips’ limited playoff experience.
He could also help rescue the Clippers’ recent form: The team is currently 34-14 in the Western Conference standings, but has dropped five of its last seven games.
However, not everybody is convinced that a Kevin Garnett trade to the Clippers would be sensible. Bleacher Report‘s Michael Lingberg writes:
“[A Kevin Garnett trade] is certainly an intriguing prospect. It would certainly signal the Clippers’ desire to win right now, and Garnett would make them an even more dangerous contender than they already are.
“But would it be a good idea for Los Angeles to trade away Eric Bledsoe who is their only truly promising young player? Would it be smart to trade the future away for a man who might not be a Clipper past next season?
“This wouldn’t make much sense for Boston, either. Bledsoe is a starting-caliber point guard, but would be stuck behind Rajon Rondo next season.”
What would you make of a Kevin Garnett trade from Boston to L.A.? Would both sides really benefit?
Sources tell Sporting News that the #Clippers have contacted the #Celtics about Kevin Garnett. Offer would include Caron Butler and Beldsoe.
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 3, 2013
