Boston Celtics Trade Rumors: Kevin Garnett to Los Angeles a False Report?

Feb 3, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe (12) drives to the hoop against Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Just yesterday after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers, it was reported that the Clippers contacted the Boston Celtics about Kevin Garnett’s availability.

Well, early this morning those reports were shut down. Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that various NBA officials told him that the Clippers had not even been in contact with the Celtics about the matter.

"The Clippers are not pursuing Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett despite what has been reported, according to NBA officials who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.Furthermore,  the Clippers’ front office has not had any conversations with Boston’s front office about a rumored deal in which L.A. would use back-up point guard Eric Bledsoe and small forwardCaron Butler as the centerpieces to acquire Garnett, said the officials.Bledsoe is the starting point guard while Chris Paul remains out with a bruised right kneecap that has kept him out of 10 of the last 12 games and will sideline him again Monday night against theWashington Wizards.The Clippers already struggle when Bledsoe goes to the bench for a rest and would be without a point guard if Bledsoe was moved.The same NBA officials said that the Clippers can’t even consider moving Bledsoe until the team sees if Paul signs a contract extension with L.A. this summer."

Obviously, there are many sides to this story. Its getting closer and closer to the trade deadline and its getting harder and harder to decipher what is the truth and what’s not. The Clippers may very well have interest in the Big Ticket. That doesn’t mean that they want everyone to know. This could simply be them shutting down reports so that the Celtics can’t build a larger market for Garnett.

After all, Eric Bledsoe is seen as a very valuable piece right now. He looks like he could be one of the better point guards at both ends of the floor. At the end of the day, the Clippers competition would have to up the ante on Garnett if they wanted a shot. That would make it even harder for the Clippers to get him.

It could still be the other way around. This may not be true at all. It doesn’t make sense for the Clippers to deal Eric Bledsoe right now because Chris Paul has missed 10 of the Clippers last 12 games. He’s obviously the only capable point guard on their roster right now. It makes sense for them to keep him.

If they’re going to deal Bledsoe, you figure it would be after this season anyway. When they get a chance to find another option at point guard either through the draft or free agency.

Who knows what the truth actually is here. Make of it what you will, but just remember that where there’s smoke there is usually fire.