Are The Los Angeles Lakers Making The Right Decision In Not Trading Dwight Howard?

Are The Los Angeles Lakers Making The Right Decision In Not Trading Dwight Howard? by Chris Walder

Feb 01, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) and head coach Doc Rivers share a hand-shake during a break in the action against the Orlando Magic in the second half at the TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 97-84. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Even with a record of 34-15, which is good enough for fourth in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Clippers remain vigilant in their attempts to improve their roster in order to (hopefully) hoist that Larry O’Brien trophy later this summer.

They feel that they could be just one big piece away from competing for an NBA Championship this season.

That piece may come in the form of Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett.

According to a report by SportingNews writer Sean Deveney, the Clippers have contacted Boston about possibly acquiring Garnett, who has a no-trade clause in his contract.

Los Angeles is offering up a package that includes starting forward Caron Butler and backup point guard Eric Bledsoe.

Sources tell Sporting News that the #Clippers have contacted the #Celtics about Kevin Garnett. Offer would include Caron Butler and Beldsoe. — Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 3, 2013

Through 47 games, KG is averaging 14.8 points on 50% shooting, as well as 7.3 points and 1.0 blocks. He’s a former league MVP (2004), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008) and NBA Champion (2008). Kevin will compete in his 15th NBA All-Star game later this month after being voted in by the fans as a starter.

At 38 years of age, Kevin Garnett continues to produce at a high level for the Celtics, even if his numbers are down across the board. That is to be expected, of course.

Bledsoe, who has started in place of Chris Paul as he sits out with a bruised knee, is averaging 9.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists a game.

Caron Butler is averaging 10.0 points on 42.3% shooting, as well as 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists.

If Boston were to make this deal, it would be the official demise of the Boston core that won the 2008 NBA Championship. Rajon Rondo is out for the season after tearing his ACL, Ray Allen has signed with the defending NBA Champions and Kevin would (theoretically) be a part of the Clippers, leaving Celtics legend Paul Pierce left to hold down the fort for the rest of the year.

Kevin would certainly help the Clippers chances to make an impact in the playoffs. With Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan manning the frontcourt, Garnett would (more than likely) come off the bench. His years of postseason experience, as well as his tenacity on the defensive end could prove invaluable for Los Angeles.

Giving up a starter in Butler and a young promising point guard in Bledsoe who is working off of an extreme bargain of a contract for a guy who has one, if not two good years left playing in the NBA is a risky proposition. If the Clippers were to see an early exit in the playoffs, it could all be for not.

Besides, with Chris Paul’s knee issues, having a guy as talented as Bledsoe come from the second-unit and step in as the starter when needed is a tremendous asset to have.

Personally, I wouldn’t make the move, as the way the Clippers are constructed now is good enough for the team to at least make the Conference Finals. Even with Garnett, I wouldn’t put them above the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder, but that’s just me.

The Celtics still have a pulse, having won their last four games, even if that winning streak has just barely gotten Boston back above .500. As long as they believe they can still compete with the upper-echolon of the Eastern Conference and possibly (although doubtful) compete for a title, they will do everything in their power to keep Garnett wearing the white and green for as long as possible.

If Kevin wants to add one more ring to his resume, then waiving his no-trade clause and accepting a potential trade with the Clippers would be his safest bet. If his loyalties remain true to the Celtics organization (which they certainly are), then he isn’t going anywhere.

Chris Walder is the Editor of Sir Charles in Charge. You may follow him on Twitter at @WalderSports