HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

One the biggest storylines heading into the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend is Kevin Garnett’s future. The 36-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors over the last several weeks, with the Los Angeles Clippers repeatedly coming up as a potential suitor for Garnett. The Boston Celtics have tried to downplay the rumors surrounding Garnett and Paul Pierce, but that hasn’t stopped the speculation.

However, Garnett did his part to shoot down the rumors on Saturday afternoon. Garnett is one of four players in the NBA whose contract includes a no-trade clause – the others being Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki. Garnett can veto any trade. Garnett was strongly considering retirement last summer, so Boston offered him the no-trade clause to persuad him to return. Garnett came back because he wanted to play in Boston and make one last run with Pierce and head coach Doc Rivers.

There were some reports that Garnett would waive his no-trade clause if he was traded to Los Angeles, since he has a home in Malibu and is very close with Clippers guard Chauncey Billups. Garnett denied those reports and made it vehemently clear that he won’t allow the Celtics to deal him before the Feb. 21 trade deadline. When asked if there was any circumstance or team for which he would consider dropping his no-trade clause, Garnett responded, “No.”

“Let me ask you all something,” Garnett said. “Why would I come back and make the decision to ride with this team and go further only to be set up to have change?”

Reporters continued to press Garnett about waiving his no-trade clause.

“Is that what today is going to be about?” Garnett asked. “That’s what today is going to be about? That’s what you all want to talk about today? You all want to talk about trades?”

Finally, Garnett put an end to the questioning.

“If it’s up to me, I will live and die green all day,” Garnett said.

Garnett has two years and $23,532,468 remaining on his contract. This season, Garnett has averaged 15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and one block in 52 games with the Celtics. Boston currently holds the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference with a 28-24 record.