Nets and Timberwolves talking Kevin Garnett trade: reports

PLAYA VISTA, Calif. — As the NBA moved into the final hours before Thursday' trade deadline, which ends at 3 p.m. Eastern time, the Nets haven't changed their thinking: unless they get a deal that helps them compete for a playoff spot this season, or if not gives them a high future return, they won't be moving any of their key players.

And, in these final hours before the deadline, the Nets reportedly could have a deal that gives them that with the Timberwolves — one that would allow Kevin Garnett to return to the team that drafted him fifth overall 20 years ago.

According to multiple reports, the Nets and Timberwolves had discussed a deal that would send Garnett back to Minnesota in exchange for forward Thaddeus Young. Timberwolves coach and team president Flip Saunders — the man who drafted Garnett 20 years ago — loves him as much as anyone in the league, and it would be quite a story for him to return to Minnesota to finish out the final year of his contract, one that likely is the final one of his Hall of Fame career.

For the Nets, getting Young, 26, who was drafted in 2007 by the 76ers by current Nets general manager Billy King — would be an upgrade over the 38-year-old Garnett, though he does potentially have a near $10 million player option for next season that could add money to the team's books that isn't there for next year.

Nevertheless, all of this would depend on whether or not Garnett would be willing to waive his no-trade clause — something that most people around the league don't think he would be willing to do. That could change, however, if he wanted to mend fences with Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor — given Garnett has said publicly he would like to buy the Timberwolves in the future.

As for the Nets, they reconvened at the Clippers' practice facility in Southern California in the same state they were last week, when coach Lionel Hollins predicted he would have the same roster for the team's game against the Lakers Friday that he did for its loss to the Grizzlies in the team's final game before the All-Star break.

Nets coach Lionel HollinsPhoto: Paul J. Bereswill

Hollins also said nothing happened between then and now had changed his mind.

"It looks that way to me," Hollins said, gesturing to the gym full of the same 14 players he had a week ago. "I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm pretty certain it's going to be the same unless some surprise pops up."

But that doesn't mean that players aren't paying attention to what's happening. This year has marked the first time that Johnson's name has been bandied about in trade rumors since he was acquired by the Nets in a trade with the Hawks in 2012.

Johnson admitted this season has been a bit different for him because of it.

"It's been kind of different this year, honestly," Johnson said. "At this point in my career, or this point in the season, it is what it is. It's part of it, and so if the organization decides on keeping me, great. If I'm traded, it's part of it.

"I'm not bitter or mad about either [possibility], so we'll see what happens."
Johnson did stress he hoped to remain with the team, and that he "has faith" things will turn around.

But that "faith" won't stop him, however, from staying tuned to what's happening before and after the deadline.

"My phone is definitely going to be on," Johnson said with a smile.

So will everyone else's.

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