Kevin Garnett rumors: Could Los Angeles Clippers pursue Garnett?
The relationship between Los Angeles Clippers’ head coach and president Doc Rivers and his former Boston Celtics’ players has been well-documented. That’s why Rivers made a run at Brooklyn Nets’ free agent swingman Paul Pierce. However, the Clippers simply didn’t have the money to pay Pierce and he inked a deal with the Washington Wizards. That has led to speculation the Clippers could instead make a run at Nets’ big man Kevin Garnett.
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However, it would be hard for Garnett to force a trade even if he wanted to as Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders points out.
"Not sure how KG can “force” a trade anywhere at this point in his career. I’ll always respect the intensity and passion he’s brought throughout the years, but I’m not sure there is enough left in his tank to warrant the Clippers moving any future assets for him."
Plus, the Nets are discussing the possibility of giving Garnett some kind of role with the team after he retires, which could keep him in Brooklyn this season. Of course, that doesn’t mean the Clippers (or even the Minnesota Timberwolves and Celtics) couldn’t offer him the same role. Of course, that doesn’t even take the money into account – Garnett will make $12 million this season.
Garnett, along with swingman Paul Pierce and guard Jason Terry, was dealt from the Boston Celtics to the Nets last season. He averaged just 6.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 44.1% from the field and 80.9% from the free throw line during the regular season. In the postseason, he only went for 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 52.4% from the field and 73.9% from the charity stripe.