http://www.startribune.com/wolves/story/1261278.html
Kevin Garnett in green? No. But speculation persists that Garnett might not
play in Timberwolves blue next season either.
On a day when the Wolves wrapped up their pre-draft workouts by looking at
five players, vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale continued
to say he's listening to any offers but hasn't heard a winner yet.
But you can strike Boston off the list of Garnett destinations.
Andy Miller, Garnett's agent, told ESPN Thursday that Garnett had no interest
in playing for Boston. ESPN reported the two sides had agreed in principle to
a deal involving Garnett, but Garnett has made it clear he won't go there.
While Garnett does not have a no-trade clause in his contract, he has the
right to opt out of his contract after the 2007-08 season, a weapon he could
use to guide trade talks.
"The Boston trade isn't happening," Miller told ESPN. "If a trade were to
happen, that's not a destination that we're interested in pursuing."
Word out of Phoenix is that the Suns are interested, but are at this point
unwilling to part with Amare Stoudemire, a player the Wolves would likely be
interested in. The Suns would likely be willing to deal Shawn Marion in such
a deal, but that would likely mean a third team would have to get involved.
And that won't be easy, considering Marion can opt out of his contract after
the coming season.
McHale continued to never say never, indicating he would have no problem
pulling a trigger should the right deal arise.
"Kevin has meant a lot to this franchise," McHale said. "The most important
thing is looking at the franchise, and what gives you the best opportunity to
win."
And if that "best opportunity" included trading Garnett?
"You'd do that," McHale said.
Miller told ESPN that Garnett has "a good handle on the possibility of being
traded. Kevin is an extremely loyal person, and loyalty is not a common
factor among pro athletes, but in this situation he understands he has to put
his long-term considerations ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves' long-term
considerations."
McHale said the team is still looking to make deals to improve its roster.
McHale wants to open up more opportunities for the team's younger players,
including the one the Wolves end up drafting at No. 7 overall in the draft
Thursday.
As for Garnett, McHale did indicate a shift in attitude as far as his
superstar's trade status.
"We've always talked," McHale said of conversations around the league. "The
only difference is ... we've had three what I consider to be sub-par years.
And you listen more. But that doesn't mean you do any more.
"Do I know what the future holds? No. If somebody offers you something that
is phenomenal, you never say never. If a team says, 'We'll give you X and Y
and this and that', you have to look. But I haven't seen player X and Y and
everything else coming out of the woodwork either."
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