Kevin Garnett, the future Hall of Fame forward of the Boston Celtics, will return for his 18th NBA season next year, alleviating the team of having to totally rebuild — at least for now.
The 38-year-old Garnett, according to reports, had been considering retirement since the Celtics’ Game 7 loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals. But he agreed to a three-year, $34-million contract.
Garnett averaged 15.8 points and 8.2 rebounds last season but that improved to 19.2 and 10.3 in the postseason. Celtics coach Doc Rivers moved Garnett to center after the All-Star Break and he flourished.
Garnett, who was eligible for an extension, and the Celtics had been negotiating for the past two weeks. With Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo in place, the next move will be to re-sign some of their many free agents, including Ray Allen, Brandon Bass, Marquis Daniels, Keyon Dooling, Jeff Green, Ryan Hollins, Sasha Pavlovic and Mickael Pietrus.
Allen is expected to be courted by the Phoenix Suns
