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djsunyc
Posts: 44929
Alba Posts: 42
Joined: 1/16/2004
Member: #536
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In what would be one of the most satisfying moments for Knicks fans and the Western Conference teams who face the Timberwolves, Kevin Garnett might be made available to the Knicks during mid-season. According to several inside sources, both the Timberwolves and Kevin Garnett are in discontent with each other. Kevin Garnett is mad that the Timberwolves didn't attempt to trade Wally Szczerbiak and traded his friend Sam Cassell for Marko Jaric. He is also upset that instead of giving Sprewell another chance, the Timberwolves have focused their efforts on trying to acquire Seattle's Damian Wilkins. They also ignored his request to hire Paul Silas as their head coach. The Timberwolves are frustrated with Garnett for several reasons. For one, he didn't make it easy for the Timberwolves to hire a coach as he insisted on Silas. They originally had their eyes on Spurs' top assistant coach PJ Carlesimo, but settled for Sonics assist Dwayne Casey who is neutral for both parties. Also with each of their moves, the Timberwolves have brought younger players with potential instead of established veterans like Jason Kidd (who KG also lobbied for). Plus even though the NBA marketing has displayed KG as one of the league's good guys; he has had several chemistry issues and clashes with several of the Timberwolves players and rookies trying to make the team. The Timberwolves also are concerned about Kevin Garnett's knees as he has played for almost 10 seasons and his knees have been acting up over the past two seasons.
With all of those factors in play, Kevin Garnett and the Timberwolves might decide to finally sever ties. Their management would like to avoid a repeat of what had happened the prior season with Vince Carter in Toronto and try to get the most value they can possibly get for a player who is about to turn 30 next May. While they know that Kevin Garnett has provided the Timberwolves with countless millions in marketing and ticket sales; they don't want to have another Chris Webber situation in which they are playing a max contract for a guy whose knees might have issues, especially when its 20 million a season for the next four years. The Timberwolves also feel like they have a marketable player in rookie Rashard McCants and can play much cheaper Eddie Griffin at the four position. Doing that would allow the Timberwolves to rebuilding for a season or two and maybe get under the cap if they can move Wally Szczerbiak as well. So if the Timberwolves get off to a rocky start which in part might be due to KG's unhappiness in Minnesota, expect a trade to be consummated before the trade deadline.
Where could Kevin Garnett expect to land? According to the inside sources, Chicago, Los Angeles (Lakers) and New York appear to be the front runners for Kevin Garnett's services. While the chance to play with Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson in LA would probably be more appealing for Kevin Garnett, the Timberwolves do not want to keep Kevin Garnett in the Western Conference where they would have to face him at least 3 times a year and make LA a championship contender again. The Bulls could possibly offer Luol Deng and Eddy Curry and Antonio Davis, which would help the Timberwolves in their youth movement, but wouldn't be a good fit for Kevin Garnett. Also Paxson isn't known for liking high priced talent and it would be a lot to give up both Eddy Curry and Luol Deng along with cap space in Antonio Davis would be a lot for Kevin Garnett. Hence comes New York's package. Larry Brown and Stephon Marbury have both spoken to Isiah about bringing in an athletic shot blocker and versatile big man and Kevin Garnett fits the bill. Money isn't an issue for New York. A deal which features Tim Thomas, Maurice Taylor, Anfernee Hardaway and 2 first round picks for Trenton Hassell, Kevin Garnett and Wally Szczerbiak would work under the salary cap rules and would give the Timberwolves expiring contracts (Taylor's contract expires the following season) and future first round picks. For the Knicks, this deal would give their team a versatile big man who can play 3 positions on the floor and really open everyone else's game. Also the Knicks have long been rumored to have an interest in Wally Szczerbiak and while KG and Wally don't get along, Larry Brown has been known to get people to see eye to eye. Also unlike the Timberwolves, Kevin Garnett has several friends on the team. Despite his request to be traded, Marbury and Kevin Garnett are still good friends and KG is also friends with Quentin Richardson and Jamal Crawford. So essentially, if KG and Wally kept to themselves, KG could ignore their previous issues. This move would make the Knicks a top 3 team in the East due to both Wally and KG's versatility. Even though they are stocked in both the power forward and swing positions; no one would complain about acquiring both. In addition Kevin Garnett could even be more marketable in New York (which essentially means much more money), and this possible Knicks team could be his most realistic chance to win a title. The countdown begins to seeing KG in blue and orange; its bound to happen.
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8/23/2005 11:15 PM
