It looks like the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets have officially reached a deal, according to ESPN.With Kevin Garnett waiving his no-trade clause, the C's have agreed to send him, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry to the Nets for Kris Humphries, Reggie Evans, Keith Bogans, Gerald Wallace, Tornike Shengelia and first-round draft picks in the 2014, 2016 and 2018 NBA Drafts.
The Nets had been in pursuit of both veteran forwards when it was clear that there was no way they could have joined head coach Doc Rivers in Los Angeles with the Clippers. Both players had their options of retiring, but they get another chance at a championship joining Joe Johnson, Deron Williams, Brook Lopez in the Nets' starting 5. They also have a deep bench with guys like Terry and MarShon Brooks being immediate scorers.
As for Boston, it's been clear that they have gone in all-out rebuilding mode, and getting all these players can help for 2014 with possible cleared up cap space and draft picks. Then again, with the players they acquired, it seems Boston could make a run for another eighth or seventh seed in the playoffs, unless they plan to ship these players and Rajon Rondo.
Nonetheless, it's officially an end of an era for the Celtics. As for Brooklyn, fans must be happy with this.
The Nets have been in need of a veteran leader that has shown toughness and courage, and they get two of them with Pierce and KG. However, with this trade, the Nets' payroll will exceed $100 million without the large contracts their starting 5 alone owns.
Nonetheless, it's worth it for next season, as the Nets have joined the pantheon of the Eastern Conference possibly with the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat. In fact, they have a good shot at surpassing New York and Indiana and possibly give Miami a run for their money.
We'll see what happens, but this is easily the biggest deal of tonight.
