This is undoubtedly the biggest story in town right now, and among the biggest in the sports nation. As such, it’s time to take a step back. Instead of merely fueling the speculation, we want to address these things:

Update — As Roughkat noted in the comments, Dallas appears to be a player in the KG talks as well. You can read about it right here.

Second update: This site is saying any deal with the Lakers is dead.

1) How quickly this escalated. Sorry, that “Anchorman” reference is going to be around for a while because it often describes situations perfectly. MP109 basically went from saying it would never trade the Raging Violet, to softening a little, to what now has to be seen as a pretty aggressive role in dispatching the superstar forward. With the whirlwind of teams being mentioned at some point this past week (Celtics, Suns, Lakers, Pacers, Mavs, even Sam Smith’s Bulls for good measure), the effect can be one of two things: creating leverage or creating panic. Please, please: do not take the first deal that kind of fits. And for the love of all that is pure, do not accept this Lakers trade as is (two or three players, none of whom could help Kobe get past the first round. Three nickels for a quarter).

2) Who has the power in this equation? This is where it gets tricky. MP109 holds power in that Garnett is currently on the roster and under contract. Nobody can just swoop in and take him at this moment in time. Mr. Violet holds power in that he can essentially veto any trade by saying he won’t sign a long-term deal with his new team and will instead opt out at the end of next season. It’s hard to imagine any team giving up a ransom to rent KG for a year. However, other teams have power knowing that KG can walk after this upcoming season — thus realizing that MP109 risks getting nothing for him if it sits on its hands and therefore perhaps believing KG can be had for somewhat less than straight-up value. Garnett already leveraged his power by nixing a deal to Boston, according to his agent; the Lakers appear to be working their power angle by offering less than market value in the latest trade scenario; now it’s time for MP109 to flex its muscle and articulate exactly what it will take to land RV — perhaps even overreaching at first in order to land at a compromise spot it ultimately wants.

3) What deal is the best fit? It still seems as though a three-way trade with Boston and Phoenix has the best pieces, if the Celtics are willing to take Shawn Marion. Boston deals Al Jefferson and the No. 5 to MP109; Suns deal one of their late first-rounders this year and Atlanta’s unprotected first-round pick in 2008 and two bloated, expiring contracts to MP109; Suns get KG; Celtics get Marion. Or something close to that, with perhaps Boston getting a little extra from one of the two teams. MP109 should be seeking an up-and-comer who has already proven something but not everything (Jefferson), 2-3 draft picks and expiring contracts. The four-way trade that apparently died, involving MP109, Boston, Indiana and L.A. was intriguing, but as the popular (and surging) blog GetGarnett.com notes, “Can anyone see three ex-Celtics (Kevin McHale, Larry Bird and Danny Ainge) getting together to save the Lakers?”

4) What’s going to happen? Nothing new has been reported this morning (as far as we can tell), but the involvement of owner Glen Taylor (talking with the Lakers this past Friday and reportedly set to appear in the Wolves’ offices this morning before departing for China on a honeymoon), along with how quickly this has jumped from rumor to serious discussion helps to build a strong case that a deal, while perhaps not imminent, is more likely to happen at some point than unlikely to happen.

5) And, of course, let’s not forget the series of atrocious contracts foisted upon the franchise by MP109’s namesake, to the point that trading the best player in franchise history, while he still has at least a few very good years left in him, is the best way to save the team. It takes a special talent to create such a scenario. Congratulations, MP109.

And, though we posted this a long time ago in the wee early days of RandBall, today’s mystery link! is a fitting bit of nostalgia. More to come. Not all of it about MP109. We promise.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 26th, 2007 at 9:24 am and is filed under Main. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.