[purplefrog]

Celtics acquire Garnett for five players, two picks
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
07/31/2007

In a trade that will shift the balance of power in the NBA's Eastern Conference next season, the Boston Celtics finally acquired 10-time All-Star forward Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday in exchange for forwards Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and Gerald Green, center Theo Ratliff and guard Sebastian Telfair, as well as two future first-round draft picks.

The trade had been discussed for months and was nearly consummated on draft night in June. But the talks stalled when Garnett indicated he was not interested in playing for Boston and would opt out of his contract — which has two years and $45 million remaining — after next season.

The Celtics then suspended talks with Minnesota and turned elsewhere, acquiring veteran guard Ray Allen from Seattle on draft night for a package that included the fifth overall pick. With Allen in the fold alongside fellow All-Star Paul Pierce, Garnett became intrigued about playing in Boston, and the talks picked up.

"The conversation never stopped" after the draft, said a source with knowledge of the talks.

The 31-year-old Garnett is expected to get a multiyear contract extension from Boston as part of the deal.

But Garnett, along with Allen and Pierce, would make the Celtics, a moribund franchise for most of the last 15 years, one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference.

The 6-foot-11 Garnett's career averages of 20.5 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists will dovetail nicely with Allen's 21.5 career scoring average and Pierce's 23.6 scoring average, giving Boston a terrific inside-out presence and providing Garnett with the best pair of teammates he has played with in his 12-year career.