Report: Garnett not going to Lakers; may be heading to Suns

Jun 27, 2007 - 4:25 AM BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) -- According to ESPN, the blockbuster four-team trade that would send Kevin Garnett to the Los Angeles Lakers now is off. But a new three-team deal, which would send the superstar forward to the Phoenix Suns, may be in the works.

The original trade involved the Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics.

Los Angeles reportedly would have included forward Lamar Odom and center Andrew Bynum in the deal but, according to the report, it was terminated by the Timberwolves, who did not feel it was enough compensation for Garnett.

However, ESPN now is reporting that Garnett could be dealt to the Suns, who would deal high-flying forward Shawn Marion to the Celtics. Boston's No. 5 pick in Thursday's draft and "other players" reportedly would be included to satisfy Minnesota.

The deal has yet to go through because of Marion, who will have to agree to a contract extension before getting dealt. The Celtics, according to the report, do not want to take on a player who is going into the final year of his deal.

Marion would team with veteran star Paul Pierce, who also has threatened to demand a trade unless Boston acquired a veteran star, according to ESPN.

Curiously, though, the Timberwolves seem to be anxious to acquire the No. 5 pick instead of Bynum, who by many accounts would have been the third player chosen in Thursday's draft behind Greg Oden and Kevin Durant.

But if Garnett is traded to the Suns, he would instantly make the already dangerous squad the front-runner for the 2008 title. He would join two-time MVP Steve Nash and All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire, forming an intimidating starting five.

Or would he? The network also reported that the Suns still are tinkering with the deal and could include Stoudemire, who plays the same position as Garnett.

Garnett originally was rumored to be headed to the Lakers to team up with superstar Kobe Bryant, who demanded a trade from the team last month. Garnett's arrival most likely would have kept the two-time scoring champion in Los Angeles.

Now, the Lakers and Bryant seem to be back to where they started - at odds.