Photo. Gary Land“Is it done?”
“Is it official?”
That was all you heard around the Dime office yesterday — not to mention all the calls and e-mails we got asking the same questions — and you know what “it” is: the Kevin Garnett-to-Boston trade. Over the weekend, word leaked that the Celtics and Timberwolves had resumed KG trade talks, and on Monday the deal was being reported as all but done: Garnett to the Celtics for Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff’s expiring contract and picks. Assuming the deal does in fact go down, the immediate reaction around here is that Boston just went from the second-worst team in the League to the odds-on favorite in the East. From toeing the ledge over the whole Greg Oden/Kevin Durant Lottery disaster to “F#&% rebuilding, we’re legit!” in the course of a couple of months. And with KG, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, how can they not be? That’s three of the Top 15-20 players in the League on one squad, and you know if LeBron can take the Cavs to the Finals with just-OK talent around him, the Celtics can definitely move past Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, Miami and any other Eastern Conference contender with their trio of superstars. This isn’t GP and Malone joining the ‘03-04 Lakers; KG and Ray are still in their primes, not past them yet … First things first; matching up with the new-look C’s will be a nightmare. If you double KG in the post, Ray and/or Pierce rains on you from the outside. If you single-cover KG with anyone who isn’t named Tim, Emeka, Ben, Jermaine, Elton, Dwight or Shawn (or Greg? We’ll wait and see with that one), you’re giving up 20 points on a bad night … And on the other end of the floor you’ve got one of the best all-around defenders in the League and the NBA’s top rebounder over the past 5 or 6 years. What’s not to love if you’re a fan of Boston, KG, Pierce or Ray? … One potential rough spot is the locker-room dynamic. All three superstars are desperate for a ‘chip and you’d assume willing to take whatever role necessary to win, but at the same time, all three are accustomed to being the unquestioned leader of their team. Is that alpha dog mentality too deeply ingrained for anyone to take a backseat, even if they wanted to? … On the flip side, the Wolves are going to be terrible (albeit entertaining). Randy Foye, Ricky Buckets, Corey Brewer, Rashad McCants, Jefferson, G-Money, Gomes and Bassy will create plenty of highlights, and plenty of L’s. And what about Ricky? Is he destined to play on bad teams for the rest of his career? Is this some kind of basketball karma for the whole triple-double thing back in Cleveland? (Remember when Ricky tried missing a layup on purpose — on THE OTHER TEAM’S BASKET — to get a rebound and complete a triple-double?) … More than just the Wolves being real bad all of a sudden, you not only have the team but also the state of Minnesota losing its basketball identity with KG leaving. It’s like when Allen Iverson got traded from Philly last year — you knew it had to happen sooner or later for the long-term well-being of both parties, but it’s still just weird when it goes down, it’s never satisfying for the team losing it’s superstar, and until you see the superstar in that new uniform for a few games, it takes a while to adjust. When we were putting together KG’s cover story for Dime #30 (Jan. ‘07), Mark Madsen told us, “People in this city love Kevin Garnett. People from my church, people from the community, they always tell me how much they love watching Kevin. One friend of mine said, ‘Minnesota is Kevin Garnett. The Minnesota Timberwolves are Kevin Garnett.’” … Another angle to consider is what this move does for the NBA as a whole. Cass broke down that side of it right here, with some good ol’ Philly haterade thrown in to boot … In other Minnesota news, Bracey Wright signed with a pro team in Greece. You know Bracey was on the same high school team with Deron Williams, only back then, Bracey was The Man. If you took anyone who’d ever watched Duncanville (Texas) High play during that era and asked them which guard would be an NBA star in 2007 and who would be playing overseas, they probably would have stamped Deron’s passport right there … We mentioned this yesterday, but Eastbay has launched a members-only online sneaker boutique called The Eastbay Vault. Memberships are free but they’re limited, and it isn’t being announced to the public, so make sure you get your membership today. Inside the Vault you’ll find a dope new collection by Nike inspired by Major Taylor. Check it out … The Grizzlies are said to be the team most interested in Juan Carlos Navarro. We heard a few weeks ago that Pau Gasol made it very clear he wanted Memphis to see what they could do to get Navarro … The Lakers signed undrafted rookie Coby Karl, best-known as George Karl’s kid but a pretty solid two-guard in his own right at Boise State over the last four years. And Rashad Jones-Jennings, D-1’s leading rebounder this season at Arkansas-Little Rock, told us he’s signing with a team in Korea … Last Friday we hit up the NBA’s annual Rookie Shoot in upstate NY, where the ‘07 draftees (minus Yi Jianlian, Marco Belinelli, the rest of the international contingent and a few college guys) posed for their trading card shots and team media guides. Our guys on the ground have the Rookie Shoot recap and pics right here, and highlight some of the best tattoos of the day … We’re out like the C’s being bad …
July 31st, 2007 at 1:47 am
Cash says:
starting 5:
Rondo
R. Allen
PP
KG
Perkins
6th: T. Allen
Hello Finals!
July 31st, 2007 at 3:57 am
Rusty says:
G-Money is da man!
http://www.squidoo.com/GeraldGreen/
July 31st, 2007 at 4:08 am
Fish says:
I like this deal for the Wolves. Every player they receive has potential (which could be read as a good or bad thing), and a range of options is much better for them than superstar for superstar. No single move would have made them contenders in the short term, but this will make them fun to watch, and move their developement phase forward somewhat. The biggest question for me: what will Bassy do?
July 31st, 2007 at 6:41 am
George says:
Hey Rusty, enough with the fucking SPAM!
Oh, and KG in Celtics green will make me puke.
July 31st, 2007 at 7:36 am
TheJed says:
I’m fired up but ainge better be on the phone with brevin knights agent right now.
July 31st, 2007 at 8:23 am
Celts Fan says:
amen Jed. I’m just worried we mortgaged 10-15 years of contending (Jefferson is already a beast and will only get better) for 3 better years at a ring. Having said that, as a long time season ticket holder, I’ve never been more excited for a season! My biggest concern is whose jersey to get first, Ray or KG…
Also, good luck to everyone we traded (yes, even Bassy.) I loved all those guys. It sucks to give up a Ryan Gomes, who’s one of those guys that every great team needs and a bad team (aka Minnesota) has no real use for.
July 31st, 2007 at 8:53 am
Smity says:
i hope that, especially for all you excited and eager people, the trade goes through and becomes a reality. that would be tight. especially for the east, for boston and for kg and pierce. but if it fall through then everyone is going to be extra salty, me included. good luck celtics fans….question, will danny ainge then recieve praise for the move or will he still be (unfairly) hated on?
July 31st, 2007 at 9:22 am
Austin Burton says:
@Celts Fan:
I’d rather have a legit shot at a ring (or two) now than maybe being a contender if Al Jefferson becomes a franchise-type player. Let’s say you don’t do the deal, keep Jefferson and crew intact, and Al ends up having an Elton Brand-like career. Wouldn’t you regret not getting KG when you had the chance and having a more realistic shot at a championship?
July 31st, 2007 at 9:50 am
chris davis says:
Dime,
I’m an avid reader of your smack column. Been checking it out for a couple of years now. But I have to call you out on some incorrect information. Although this article mainly focused on the supposed KG trade, you made mention of Bracey Wright and Deron Williams. One small correction, Bracey Wright and Deron Williams attended “The Colony” high school in dallas, not duncanville.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:01 am
Bust Jlaze says:
wow….and you’re telling me LA couldn’t pull a deal off to get KG? This was way too easy…
July 31st, 2007 at 10:08 am
Celts Fan says:
Jefferson’s already a beast! He averaged a double double last year (granted, as the only guy on a bad team, which can be a concern.) My thought is, w/ him, Ray Allen, and Pierce (and a solid supporting cast that we raped to get KG) we have a solid team now that could win the East (possibly a ring, but probably not) that can slowly transition from Pierce/Allen’s to Jefferson’s (and maybe Gerald’s) team in 6 years when those guys are in their late 30s and Al’s 28. Now we’re rebuilding in 6 years. Also, no one’s mentioning that we gave Minn. their #1 back which would have been a lottery pick. It’s just an all or nothing move that I would have been ok without and would have left us in better shape to contend for far longer. But like I said, we could have contended for 10-15 years, but we (probably) never would be as strong as we will be for the next 3-5. If we win a ring, it’s all worth it, and either way, it’ll be fun to watch…
July 31st, 2007 at 10:18 am
Eric says:
When is thing going to be official? I am not letting myself celebrate until this thing is done and I see KG’s face in Boston. Get it done!!!
July 31st, 2007 at 10:32 am
Austin Burton says:
@chris davis-
You’re right about The Colony. My bad. Duncanville was one of their rivals.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:35 am
djKianoosh says:
Bust Jlaze, I dont think LA has the same pieces that would compare favorably to what the wolves got from boston. face it, kobe’s contract is like an anvil. and that ship has been sinking. but hey, you got your 3 rings with him and shaq. you guys can deal with a few more losing seasons.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:46 am
Bust Jlaze says:
Chris Davis is BUGGING….
July 31st, 2007 at 10:47 am
Amar says:
I’m not a C’s fan, but I’m really happy for the Boston Celtics, their fans, their city, and for KG, Jesus and PP all finally having a legit shot at going to the NBA finals for once. This potential off-season outcome is better for them, and Paul Pierce’s window than having Oden or Durant on the team.
It’ll be good to have one of the historic franchises of the NBA climb out of the gutter . . . now onto the Knicks and Sixers . . .
July 31st, 2007 at 10:48 am
Amar says:
btw, Bill Simmonds’ articles @ page 2 are going to be really obnoxious this season. you just know that such a sore loser like him would be an ever worse winner.
July 31st, 2007 at 11:15 am
The Spin says:
I couldn’t agree more. These guys will be the top in the east. As well, the East will be soooo much more strong because of this deal. The argument is that the Celtics have no supporting cast. While this is true, they still have 3 all-stars. How are teams going to double team KG when they’ll end up leaving Ray Allen open? Or how do you collapse on Ray Allen when you leave Paul Pierce open? It sounds like a defensive nightmare that I’m excited to watch. Check my KG to Boston article at www.clutch3.com
July 31st, 2007 at 11:44 am
Celts Fan says:
You’re right Spin. The problem is, if one or 2 of them get hurt (or in foul trouble in a tight game, we’re SCREWED. Either way though, I’m pumped! Let’s just fill out the bench now…
And Simmons articles are usually dead on. He’s one of the most knowledgeable basketball guys around, and congratulated the Colts after they beat us this year. How’s he a sore loser again? (btw, until the Colts win another ring or 2, or Manning actually throws even close to as many TD’s as INT’s in the playoffs, the clearcut answers to who’s better are still the Patriots and Brady. Sorry to branch off into football, just had to get that off my chest.)
Anyone know if Lee Humphreys signed anywhere yet (or if Steve Novak’s still locked into Houston)? He’d be a great addition and a nice shooter/complimentary scorer off the bench… Also, is Taureen Green gonna make the Blazers? I’ve heard probably not and would love to grab him, Mustafa Shakur, or Ramon Sessions (if any don’t stick where they are now) as a 3rd PG…
July 31st, 2007 at 11:48 am
SidViscious says:
I agree with thejed, if the C’s could pick up Brevin (and he stays healthy for at least the half of the season) they would be scary.
July 31st, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Bron42 says:
i still dont get where the is “KG worth gerald green/al jefferson debate” comes in? both have POTENTIAL the most dangerous word in all of sports but both havn’t really dont jack. sure jefferson had a ok season this year but still doesn’t mean he is going to be anywhere NEAR KG’s level during the rest of his career. And gerald green isn’t even close to gerald wallace yet, let alone a allstar. Even doc rivers said “big al was good but the way people have been acting you’d think he was on his 3rd allstar team.” with KG you know what you get and have your best chance of winning. Of course you riskin giving away a possible “Kobe and Z-Bo” but you also could of just given away “dorrell Wright and Eddy Curry” so either way only time will tell. Plus as nice as people try to make AL and Green sound, their both a dime a dozen when it comes draft time so its not really THAT terrible of a loss if they do end up rebuilding again after the KG,PP,Allen era fades away, just draft some high flying college freshmen and a sophmore big and bam..your right back where you started with green and jefferson wiht potential unproven players.
July 31st, 2007 at 12:32 pm
kudabeen says:
Kevin Garnett isn’t on the T-wolves website at all…How long has that been the case??
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/
Again that “mortgage the future” arguement is DUMB…just DUMB. Be happy you have a chance to be great after being lame for over a decade… you have 5 or 6 guys under 25 (two that could be starting) that can all play and contribute now on the Celtics. You really feel Al Jefferson is Shaq?? He is more elton brand.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:25 pm
D-NICE says:
Man, if this goes through I feel so bad for CB4 Chris Bosh. After having to fight off Jermaine O’Neal for the starting PF spot for the Eastern All Stars, he now has to battle with Z-Bo and now possibly KG too!! Funny coincidence how they will be battling for the Atlantic Division crown too.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Eric says:
The deal is official!!! Kevin Garnett is now a member of the Boston Celtics.
He is en route to Boston, 5pm press conference TODAY!!!
He signed a 3 year extension on top of the two years that he had remaining on his deal. KG in Green, amazing!
July 31st, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Johnny says:
The Wolves could’ve had all the luck and all the effort and still got bounced in the 1st round.
Now McHale needs to unload Green/Gomes/Jefferson/McCants/C.Smith/Foye.
With those guys getting traded, they could get rid of Jaric’s contract and get mad 1st rounders attached to short-term contracts.
Either way they suck. Sucking is sucking.
It’s just that this young group in Minny looks unlikely to go far in the playoffs when their time comes.
They shouldn’t be re-signing them for big contracts just to become a .600 team.
Picture 3 years from now if McHale agrees with me….all their nasty contracts are gone. Hella 1st rounders are on the roster, locked into various years of their cheap 4-year rookie contracts. Brewer still isn’t a free agent. They have him, the hella 1st rounders (including their own lotto picks) and 3 good-to-excellent free agents of ‘08, ‘09 and 2010 respectively. I would take that kind of future core for a couple years of Bad News Bears any day.
July 31st, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Bron42 says:
I did not understand a word that just came out of your mouth…are you saying he should trade pretty much what little talent he has now? sure the wolves are gonna get DESTROYED this up coming season if they don’t make any changes but I wouldnt throw away everyone just to hopefully get draft pics lol. I mean could the team really get any worst? Foye, Green, Ricky, Jefferson and Blount could probably beat a few pretty good high school teams, and in a few years a core of foye,green,big Al,craig smith and brewer could be kinda nice if they all stay florida style but until then..wolves fans hide your heads cus its gonna be a bad year for ya.
July 31st, 2007 at 3:34 pm
TEXAS BALLER says:
BRACEY WRIGHT & DERON WILLIAMS DIDN’T PLAY FOR DUNCANVILLE THEY PLAYED FOR THE COLONY HIGH SCHOOL.
July 31st, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Johnny says:
Bron42,
I’m guilty as charged. Big Al is the only one who is that dang special IMO. What if he wants to leave after the season anyways? Cap space and 1st rounders seems more dang special for the Wolves. Sucking is sucking.
Johnny
July 31st, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Young C says:
I cant believe Dime wrote this: “More than just the Wolves being real bad all of a sudden…”. All of a sudden!? They missed the playoffs 3 years in a row WITH Garnett. They arent gonna be any worse next year without him. At least they’ll have some young exciting players to watch develop and get some high draft picks. Theres nothing worse than watching a mediocre team full of malcontent veterans who suck too much to make the playoffs but arent quite bad enough to get a top 3 pick. Minnesota is in a much better postion to rebuild without the overrated Garnett and his $24 million/year contract.
July 31st, 2007 at 7:51 pm
The Spin says:
Picking up Brevin Knight would be a great move. It would be a little insurance on the Big 3. This would be an ideal move for Knight too, because he’d be playing some heavy starter minutes. Regardless, I wrote up why I think the Big 3 can pull it off on their own. Check it out at www.clutch3.com
July 31st, 2007 at 11:14 pm
kowtz says:
Here’s a entertanining trivia…
Worthless, yet entertaining…
The Celt’s Big three would have wanted to wear jersey number 34…
It is P-Dub’s Jersey Number…
It is Ray Allen’s jersey Number in Bucks and Sonics…
It is KG’s number in Highschool, Farragut Admirals…
Peace… ;D
July 31st, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Keith says:
I think Detroit and Boston will be a great battle in the playoffs. You mentioned the guys who could defend KG, but you didn’t mention Rasheed. He’s a great defender against the premier PFs, including KG. He can’t seem to box out KG, though, looking at the stats. I think Detroit is the only team that can stop Boston in the playoffs, and Rasheed’s defense is a big reason.
August 1st, 2007 at 1:36 am
E-ROC says:
Don’t get too happy about the Celtics. KG gutted the Celtics. I don’t know if they have a bench. Do they? They even gave the Timberwolves Ryan Gomes. I thought Ryan Gomes was going to be a key component to the Celtics winning because he can cause matchup problems.
August 1st, 2007 at 3:30 am
bron42 says:
its wayyyy easier to get bench players and role players to fill up minutes compared to how hard it is to find a superstar that can put you over the top. plus last i checked, other than al (who barely put up amazing numbers) none of the guys they traded were really killing or puttin up numbers that cant be replaced.
And to someone who said the timberwolves should be happy they got some high draft pics? umm…chances are the celtics are gonna do at least decent so the pics will be early 20s