How the Kevin Garnett trade is still impacting the Celtics

Every Boston Celtics fan within the last decade understands the importance of the trade we did for Kevin Garnett in 2007. Just as a reminder, we gave up seven players for Kevin, the best of whom was Al Jefferson. In return, we got one of the best power forwards ever to play the game and another big gold thing to throw with the 16 others.

Of course the trade was critical in winning the NBA championship in 2008. Without Garnett, there is no way that the Celtics would have faced off against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Kevin added an intensity and passion to the team that fueled the championship run in 2008, as well as the long post-season runs in the two following seasons. From the Celtics perspective, it was a perfect, well-needed marriage.



Garnett's impact on the Cs does not end there, however.

In 2013, Boston traded KG, as well as Paul Pierce, to the Brooklyn Nets. In return, the Celtics received five players, all of whom are now gone, and four first-round picks. The players in the trade aren't what made the impact; the picks were. The rookies drafted as a result of the Nets' assets are now integral parts of Boston's current team.

These young players, as well as great off-season signings and a vertically-challenged savior with a big four on his back, have propelled the Celtics into the NBA's elite. Boston was the number one seed in the East last season, making it all the way to the Conference Finals. In addition to the amazing present situation the Celtics are enjoying, there is also a great amount of hope for the future. Young, promising players such as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are expected to progress enough to be important parts of a great team.

The picks that Boston received from Brooklyn have become players James Young, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum. Both Young and Brown got some playing time last season, continuing to impact the team. Tatum has yet to play in an NBA game, but showed moments of brilliance and immense potential in his summer league showing. The Celtics also get one more first-round pick from the Nets next season, hopefully another early choice in the draft.

With the Nets' 2018 first-round draft pick being the last asset remaining from the Kevin Garnett trade, it is important to look back and see the impact KG had on Boston. Not only did he lead the Cs to our 17th NBA championship, but the draft picks that were acquired in return for Kevin are continuing to  progress the Celtics forward, making them one of the best teams in the NBA. It was a privilege to watch Garnett dominate as a player in green, and to continue to get value out of him even after his departure from Boston.

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