More Garnett: Warriors, Phoenix and Dallas all talked contract with KG on draft night

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> By Tim Kawakami
Tuesday, July 24th, 2007 at 10:45 am in Warriors, NBA.
Late-breaking 2:36 p.m. update: Dedicated CC Times beat writer Geoff Lepper just informed me that he went to Rocklin for Mike Bibby’s camp yesterday, but Garnett and Baron Davis apparently did not.
No official word out of the camp about either for the rest of the week –Garnett’s expected participation was reported by the Sacramento Bee last week, Baron’s listed on the camp’s website as a sure-thing–but it does not look like either will be appearing.
Lepper, sadly, decided not to enroll in the camp for some fun dribble and shoot drills and late-night camp hi-jinks.
I guess Ol’ KG didn’t have much to say or didn’t show up at Mike Bibby’s Fantasy Camp yesterday in Rocklin, though I wouldn’t know because I remained tethered within a 20-mile radius of All Things Left Fielder.
So I’ll add something fairly solid, to my (as you’ve all noticed) admittedly endless amount of Kevin Garnett-Warriors morsels, which began two years ago and for which I can see to realistic end in sight.
As a large, neon-lit add-on to my previous KG Draft Night Legend, I can now add this thoroughly and definitively sourced item:
* On draft day, three teams were given permission by Minnesota and indeed did pursue various stages of contract-extension talks with Garnett’s agent as a potential precursor to a trade.
Those three teams were:
-The Warriors (obviously). Yes, they were talking to KG’s agent on draft night. They were.
Doesn’t mean they had or have a KG deal in place with the T-Wolves. In fact, as I’ve written previously, I’m very sure they do NOT have a deal in place with Minnesota and might have to wait until January or February to seriously re-start things.
But on draft night, the Warriors were talking with Andy Miller, KG’s agent, and were in the process of seeing if they could extend him out a few years as part of the complicated trade/negotiation scenario.
Again, the Old Legend says the Warriors/T-Wolves/Charlotte trade broke down at the last second, causing confusion…
But further reporting with Principals Involved leads me to believe that the Legend (as always) is slightly exaggerated. Still, there are some elements that are very true (as always) and the Warriors’ negotiations with KG is fascinating tid-bit.
Save this part. Remember it for January or February: The Warriors already have talked to KG’s agent about an extension.

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What's a good deal for KG?

Wasn't it something like Monta, Brendan Wright, Cabbages, POB, Foyle, and maybe a draft pick?

Second, how do we re-sign Baron and AB once KG is aboard? KG will make $22M a year at least. We have to be sure we can have a run at a championship with KG aboard.

PG - Baron, SJax, Pierre Pierce (?)
SG - SJax, Marco, Azu
PF - KG, Powell, Lasme
SF - AL, Barnes (?)
C - AB, Perovic

 

Kawakami has officially become a gossip columnist. Garnett and Baron didn't show to a charity event, which must mean something is up. Where's the evidence? Did anyone see the 2 together? Anyone see Garnett with ANYONE on the Warriors? I can't say enough of how sick I am of this guy. He's Skip Bayless part 2. No credibility. The only columnist that has any integrity in the bay is Hu.

 

It seems like all is quiet in Warriorland except for Tim Kawakami. I can't wait for things to pick up so we can start hearing more Janny Hu. She rocks!

I wonder if there is some kind of deal where we can land Andray Blatche. That guy sort of looks like a cross between Jonathan Bender and unpolished Charlie Villanueva.

Anybody see him play much? I wonder if he has a chance to become something like a Garnett (a perimeter type PF rather than a inside post player).

 

I have not seen enough Blatche to feel real sure-but the kid is a "risk" deal who'd be real tempting. We COULD attempt a MLE sign- but unless we went near full MLE-they match and in the lag time we could lose Barnes,AND miss on Blatche. A S+T swap with Pietrus + POB for Blatche + D McGuire? Risky stuff with Pietrus the one proven guy,and then it's got to go through the maze of cap/cba rules too. We MIGHT come out real good-might get the shaft....interesting-as I like Blatche and McGuire but fear POB is going to emerge at some point-and at the moment is under-rated. We'd be giving 2 former lotto picks for 2 former rd 2's.....

Blatche has begun to realize he is not a SF. I'd maybe give him some credit for trying to expand his game. He has to keep working on adding skills-but also has to be realistic,know the percentages.

Jason Vorhees mentions a package but to match $ we probably need to include Harrington. KG has a pretty fat trade kicker-which adds to his salary-so he ain't $22 mill-more like $28 mill UNLESS he'd waive the kicker.

Kawa does touch on the 800 lnb Gorilla everyone forgets is in the room. KG with a kicker and a 1 year opt out is a bear trap you just do NOT wanna play with You don't lose a few rotation guys a few high upside lotto guys-blow your freshly won cap savings and have the big prize bolt in just a year-so we end up with Hudson or Madsen as a souvenier

The "Window of Opportunity" has to be big enough that we can take the time to fill the holes the deal creates,to recreate team chemistry,and then have more than 1 season left to be either real lucky or not too lucky

I would rather bet on building a good young foundation (one more time) than go revolving door and losing a lot of our future rising talent.

 

Garnett is a Celtic http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Atpl...ov=ap&type=lgns

 

This could be a good thing because we are still able to keep Ellis and Biens. And our team is still in tact -JRich =(

 

That hurts. Our entire rebounding and inside scoring problems were supposely be solved by acquiring KG. Now KG doesn't seem to be an option for us and we will be hit by the loss of Richardson in short term as well. And, we can't go crazy by getting massive contract using an exception, because we have to resign both Monta and Biedrins. Hope Wright can pan out asap.

Speaking of Boston, is there a time when 3 superstars mashed well together? KG can probably get along with anybody, but both Pierce and Allen were 1st option for a long time. I also wonder how Pierce can adjust with his new teammates and endure himself, when he can possibly be 3rd scoring option in some nights. And... Do they plan to fill rest of squard by pulling people out from the stand? They really sent almost everything they got by acquiring both KG and Allen. Anyway, it should be fun to see those 3 playing together... and how we will make a change after this trade...

 

I am OK with this trade, though I wonder if the Warriors could have offered something better. But anyway, I am not upset since KG is going to the East, the T'Wolves most likely get worse, and KG is not in LA, Phoenix, or Dallas which is good.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Kwan1031 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">That hurts. Our entire rebounding and inside scoring problems were supposely be solved by acquiring KG. Now KG doesn't seem to be an option for us and we will be hit by the loss of Richardson in short term as well. And, we can't go crazy by getting massive contract using an exception, because we have to resign both Monta and Biedrins. Hope Wright can pan out asap.

Speaking of Boston, is there a time when 3 superstars mashed well together? KG can probably get along with anybody, but both Pierce and Allen were 1st option for a long time. I also wonder how Pierce can adjust with his new teammates and endure himself, when he can possibly be 3rd scoring option in some nights. And... Do they plan to fill rest of squard by pulling people out from the stand? They really sent almost everything they got by acquiring both KG and Allen. Anyway, it should be fun to see those 3 playing together... and how we will make a change after this trade...</div>

I think the question is, who will be Boston's PG? I think KG can co-exist with Allen and Pierce. One of the downfalls I think of KG's game has been a type of missing instant offensive move, where on the other hand Pierce and Allen can score almost at will. KG can be kind of is like Dirk since he can get lost doing too many weak back-to-the-basket fade aways. I think Pierce and KG are good passers for their positions. I just think that finding someone to be the right PG may be difficult. Maybe they try to make a move for Cassell or something...

Wait I just realized that adding Cassell to that team would bring back that Bucks team with Sam, Allen, and Glen Robinson, that always seemed to underachieve.

But I think Boston can definitley be contenders in the East after this move. Now just think if they had the first or second pick in this year's draft. I guess they wouldn't have gotten Ray Allen, but they would have Oden or Durant.

 

There is no question that Boston will be top 3 teams just with their sheer talent and being in the Eastern conference. And, in a sense, Boston helped themselves right now by not winning top 1 or 2 pick. If they won either pick and drafted Oden or Durant, they might have taken Seattle route and trade Pierce. Even if they wouldn't trade Pierce, I don't think Garnett would agree to go to Boston, knowing that both rookies will take some time to improve.

I am also wondering how they will fill their remaining squards. If the trade goes through, they will have Perkins, Scalabrine, Tony Allen, Rondo, and Powe (plus some rookies). Some are promising, but unproven, and you can even call some a scrub. I guess they can attract some over-the-hill veterans as well. And, what about finance? I don't think their owner is typically fond of paying luxury tax, but with those 3 players, they are bounded to pay some serious luxury tax. Will their owner add necessary pieces by paying additional hefty luxury tax or will it be big 3 and scrubs?

In 2004, Warriors drafted Biedrins with 11th pick, and Boston drafted Jefferson with 15th pick. Warriors didn't add Biedrins with KG trade (probably the deal breaker), and Boston will trade Jefferson for KG. Wonder how both teams will do in both short term and long term...

 

AM i wrong or did Mchale just ruin the Wolves. He basically got nothing..... Jefferson ok ..... for one of the 25 greatest players?

I mean..... telfair .... out of the league in a few years, is terrible, gomes a back up guy, I guess Gerald green is the wild card..... if he pans out then this doesnt go down as the worst trade in history..... and the picks? a protected one....so virtually a pick in the 20's and the pick they gave to the celtics.... in the wally - r davis trade....

What am i missing? AB, harrington Wright Ellis..... take any two and you have a better deal than what they just got..... amazing


so is this mchale giving back to the celtics? making his former team a contender?

 

<div class="quote_poster">boogielew Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">AM i wrong or did Mchale just ruin the Wolves. He basically got nothing..... Jefferson ok ..... for one of the 25 greatest players?</div>Jefferson is a young stud and KG, while obviously a superior player now, will not be in a few years. The real score for Minnesota is getting two first round picks out of Boston, with that I think they did pretty well for themselves.

As for the Warriors, I don't think they were willing to give up Andris, period, so it's a non-issue. Wright + Ellis would be pretty good talent for them, but I doubt the Warriors would offer them two first rounders as well.

 

<div class="quote_poster">boogielew Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">AM i wrong or did Mchale just ruin the Wolves. He basically got nothing..... Jefferson ok ..... for one of the 25 greatest players?</div>

I actually think McHale did pretty good. He sacrificed someone past their prime, who's not going to do much with the team, for a fat expiring in Ratliff, a future stud in Jefferson, an athletic swingman with a tall ceiling in Green, and a very solid/versatile future player in Gomes. Telfair.....well, Telfair is Telfair. It's entirely up to him if he ever decides to be worth anything.

This isn't even including the pick, and whoever else they might end up getting.

Right now, the T'Wolves future looks very solid.

 

I thought Minny did pretty well, but it's a move for the long term since we don't know what Jefferson or Green's ceiling is right now. Will their play elevate the team? I don't think so. At least not yet. They just came from one of the worst teams in the nba in the weakest division and that's not because they were bad players, but because they weren't a good team without Paul Pierce and some of the other vet guys that got injured.

Let's face it, the more the Twolves waited, the less cards they would hold when KG starts complaining during the regular season and the media starts talking about how bad the Twolves are and how they are going nowhere. None of those ex Boston guys that Minny received may end up being all-stars this season, but they should be pretty good and continue to get better. Now Minny needs to reach the difficult goal of finding a franchise player or players to build around. Ours was Baron Davis, the Wolves need to find their guy and choose the right players to surround that guy with. I think Green and Jefferson could possibly fit in almost any tempo (although I see Jefferson being more of a halfcourt dude and Green being a run n' gun type of guy). We'll see later on. Those two guys have an inside outside game that sets them apart from other prospects who only play outside or has no inside or outside offense game.

Boston's big 3 (Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Garnett) looks sick, but their bench at this point in time is not impressive to me.

 

<div class="quote_poster">The One & Only Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I actually think McHale did pretty good. He sacrificed someone past their prime, who's not going to do much with the team, for a fat expiring in Ratliff, a future stud in Jefferson, an athletic swingman with a tall ceiling in Green, and a very solid/versatile future player in Gomes. Telfair.....well, Telfair is Telfair. It's entirely up to him if he ever decides to be worth anything.

This isn't even including the pick, and whoever else they might end up getting.

Right now, the T'Wolves future looks very solid.</div>

I don't think KG is past his prime. He is on the decline. I guess, however, it is fair to say that he wasn't really in the ideal spot in his career for the TWolves at this point. KG is still a league leader rebounder, defender, and player.

As far as Al Jefferson, I don't think he'll do so well in the Western Conference. I think Foye, Green, and Brewer is an interesting trio of talent. But it just seems like the TWolves look like the Celtics prior to the deal, minus someone like Paul Pierce. Also if Boston ends up being a top team in the East, the two picks Minnesota receives may not be that great. But yeah, I guess it was a needed step taken by Minnesota. It's one of those moves that needs to start a series of more moves to finally get the right thing going up there in Minnesota.

But like I said, I am happy that KG didn't go another Western Conference team, and more excited/relieved that he didn't end up in the Pacific Division, unless if it was to the Warriors...haha (for the right price, of course)

 

<div class="quote_poster">Kwan1031 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">There is no question that Boston will be top 3 teams just with their sheer talent and being in the Eastern conference. And, in a sense, Boston helped themselves right now by not winning top 1 or 2 pick. If they won either pick and drafted Oden or Durant, they might have taken Seattle route and trade Pierce. Even if they wouldn't trade Pierce, I don't think Garnett would agree to go to Boston, knowing that both rookies will take some time to improve.</div>

Boston will be a fun and great team to watch. I think they'll make the playoffs for sure, but not sure if they'll be a championship contender next year. Even with three all-stars, it will take some time to get the team to mesh. KG should be able to help Kendrick Perkins for sure. Some people think Boston will have to stay healthy as Pierce and Allen have missed several games in recent years.

Also, I think the Warriors could have bettered the deal if they included AB, but then it would be too much to give up.

I'm not as impressed as what the Timberwolves got back because Gerald Green isn't that good of a player right now. He wasn't a notable in Vegas this year just like last season except for his monster dunks. No question GG's got athletic talent, but he's using it like MP. He needs to get his b-ball IQ up and not always rely on his athleticism or try to make the play himself. I think the Wolves did great getting Al Jefferson and Gomes should give them some minutes. Telfair needs to get his act together, so don't think he'll be a big contributor. But you can't forget the Celtics did poorly with these guys and Paul Pierce last season. The Timberwolves sure look like the Celtics team from a few years ago, too, with ex-Celtic Ricky Davis and Mark Blount.

Still, it could work out for Minnesota since they also get two first round picks. It's a gamble for them and we won't be able to tell how well they did for years, but we'll know how Boston did right away. That will be the fun part!

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I am also wondering how they will fill their remaining squards. If the trade goes through, they will have Perkins, Scalabrine, Tony Allen, Rondo, and Powe (plus some rookies). Some are promising, but unproven, and you can even call some a scrub. I guess they can attract some over-the-hill veterans as well. And, what about finance? I don't think their owner is typically fond of paying luxury tax, but with those 3 players, they are bounded to pay some serious luxury tax. Will their owner add necessary pieces by paying additional hefty luxury tax or will it be big 3 and scrubs?</div>

I think Rondo is slated to start, but likely they'll pick up Troy Hudson because he can play PG, help the young backcourt, AND he's KG's friend. Hudson has been bought out by the Wolves.

I saw Leon Powe in SL and he looked pretty good. He was hustling and getting rebounds and playing defense as he was instructed. He scored some, too, which was a bonus. Powe should be able to contribute more minutes this year. Another who should help off the bench is Tony Allen.

They also have Glen "Big Baby" Davis who's a wild card . Gabe Pruitt will be lucky to see any action. These guys sound like D-league. I agree with what Boston will likely do for the rest of the squad.

 

If we couldn't get KG and someone else had to get him, I'm glad an EC team got him and not the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers didn't deserve to get KG to pair with Kobe don't you think (albeit they looked like the favorites in the beginning!)?

Also, it was Boston that got KG, one of the league's teams that casual fans like to watch, so it's good for the NBA overall.

Lakers got pwn3d. Watch this video as see if you agree:
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/pop...4098&src=sports

 

<div class="quote_poster">jason voorhees Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">If we couldn't get KG and someone else had to get him, I'm glad an EC team got him and not the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers didn't deserve to get KG to pair with Kobe don't you think (albeit they looked like the favorites in the beginning!)?

Also, it was Boston that got KG, one of the league's teams that casual fans like to watch, so it's good for the NBA overall.</div>

Good points. KG to the Lakers or Suns would've been tough to deal with.

And as far as that video, yeah, I agree. That's depressing. It'll be double sad when they fail to get JO as well. All Magic could muster was," d...d...derek fisher.... we needed a defensive guard.... hopefully we can make more moves..."

Fisher. Man. SO glad he's not on this team.

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