Report: Garnett may be traded to Lakers

Trade before he gets away for nothing?
Kevin Garnett, shown in a 2006 game against Sacramento, has never demanded a trade. But he can walk away from the Timberwolves after next season.
Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Times is reporting the Minnesota Timberwolves are in discussions that would send star Kevin Garnett to the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to the report, the trade package being worked out involves four teams. The Lakers are trying to keep their own star, Kobe Bryant, happy. Bryant has criticized the team for not doing enough to improve the talent.

That would certainly change if the report, based on league sources, is accurate.

Trade discussions have involved the Lakers, Wolves, Pacers and possibly a fourth team, which ESPN says is the Boston Celtics.

The report says that the Timberwolves would end up "young players and a lottery pick." The Lakers would send Lamar Odom and center Andrew Bynum to the Indianapolis Pacers. The Celtics would likely get Jermaine O'Neal from the Pacers, leading to speculation the pick the Timberwolves would get is the 5th pick in the NBA draft, owned by the Celtics.

The newspaper says Lakers owner Jerry Buss and Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor spokes by phone for 20 minutes on Friday.

Garnett has never said he wants to be traded, but he has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave Minnesota after next season. Garnett is due to earn $22 million next season and Buss has reportedly told Taylor he would give Garnett a contrtact extension.

Garnett has a home in Malibu.

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