KG turned down CP's Pitch, Eternally Bleeds Green
Boston Herald:
According to several accounts, though, talk between Ainge and the Clippers continued right up until the final hours yesterday. Garnett said during All-Star weekend that he would not waive his no-trade clause, and held true to his vow despite added pressure from Clippers guard Chris Paul.
According to a league source, Paul called Garnett and said that if he was open to joining the Clippers, then Paul would make it happen. Garnett, though, declined, expressing a desire to remain a Celtic.
It's great to hear that Kevin Garnett is do dedicated to the Celtics organization and the tradition and legacy that the franchise represents. It's safe to say that most Celtics fans are overjoyed to hear that Garnett turned down a chance for a ring (though I think he thinks the Celtics have a chance) in order to stay in Boston. It's very much the exact opposite of the course of action Ray Allen took, though there were several more factors obviously involved there.
Garnett has also handled this in a very mature manner. Whereas some players get their feelings hurt when their name comes up in trade talks, Garnett understands the business side and that Ainge has to gauge interest in all of his players. Garnett was probably the best chip the Celtics had left, and receiving a haul of young talent for the veteran on the verge of retirement is something that some (smart) Celtics fans would've preferred.
Ainge’s wish list had been topped by the Clippers’ young duo of guard Eric Bledsoe and center DeAndre Jordan. The Clips, with an eye on trading part of the future for a deep playoff run now, focused their attention on Garnett.
But Garnett reportedly said no, to the relief of an entire Celtics locker room.
It's great that Garnett is staying for the rest of the year, but receiving assets like Bledsoe and Jordan would've been a wise move for the future. After all, the Celtics won't be left with much once Pierce and Garnett retire. Still, more trades can be made after the season so let's not put a bow on this yet.
Instead, let's enjoy one last run with what's left of the nucleus.
