Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Kevin Garnett is staying with the Celtics. The Herald has learned this morning that Garnett has informed the club he will be back.
The 36-year-old considered retirement, but ultimately decided to return for an 18th NBA season — and more.
According to an NBA source and a source close to Garnett, the sides are working out the details of a deal that will be for at least two years and could possibly include a third.
“The decision came down to whether KG wanted to keep playing,” said one source. “And once he decided that he did, it was going to be Boston. He wasn’t going to leave Doc (River) and those guys and play anywhere else.”
Concerns about the mileage on his body were alleviated when Garnett’s numbers improved dramatically during these last playoffs and indeed down the stretch of the regular season. The increases roughly coincided with his move from power forward to center, where he was able outmaneuver bigger centers and pull them out to the perimeter while taking smaller opponents inside and scoring over them.
“Kevin was absolutely great this season, and he just wants to keep going,” said a source. “And when you look at how he was playing, there’s no reason for him to stop.”
UPDATE: Yahoo’s Marc Spears reports the deal is three years, $34 million.
Fantastic news. I knew all along it was Boston or bust.
The third year seems a bit much, but I doubt Garnett will hang on just to collect a paycheck. $11 million per year is a bargain.
I’m curious if Garnett will continue to play center.
The rest of the links:
Herald – Team Sully has his back | Green’s heart still with C’s | Offer for Doc’s kid falls shy | Kids need some work | ESPN Boston – Report card: Danny Ainge | Getting to know Sully and Fab | CSNNE – Ryan: Ainge took good gamble with picks | Pro Basketball Talk – Mayo free agent, Celtics interested
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