Los Angeles Clippers: Kevin Garnett-Doc Rivers Reunion?

After the recent revelation that Blake Griffin‘s elbow had a staph infection that required emergency surgery, the rumor mill for the Los Angeles Clippers started spinning faster than ever.

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First there is the possible Amar’e Stoudemire buyout, and whether the Clippers would be able to convince him to come to Los Angeles and take over for the injured Griffin, who is expected to be out up to six weeks.

Now, there is a long simmering trade rumor that is suddenly gaining heat.

Kevin Garnett, once part of the big three in Boston, where former Celtics coach and current Clippers head honcho Doc Rivers won his only NBA championship as a coach, is rumored to be on the buyout market soon.

A recent report from the New York Post addressed this rumor:

"With the Nets in free fall, there has been talk of Kevin Garnett asking for a buyout to chase another ring in what could be his final season. Brooklyn’s venerable big man didn’t say he would ask for or even want a buyout, but he sure didn’t rule the possibility out, either.“I haven’t really thought about the intangibles on the side. I don’t know what management is going to do,” Garnett said after Sunday’s practice. “When my situation comes up, I’ll obviously give it some attention. Other than that, my attention is trying to get us on a winning streak, get us on a road where everybody’s playing together. If you have another level, go to it. I haven’t even thought about my own personal [contract situation].’’"

Not exactly a clear answer from Garnett, but nevertheless many NBA media members, former players, and GMs expect Garnett to eventually reach an agreement on a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets.

If Garnett is bought out, and becomes an unrestricted free agent, it would seem fitting that the Clippers would be at the top of his list.

ESPN has reported that the Clippers are watching Garnett, and Stoudemire, very closely, and plan to be bidders should either reach the open market.

Garnett is still a servicable player, averaging close to 12 points and 12 rebounds per 36 minutes, according to Basketball-Reference.com, and shoots better than 45 percent from the field. He has always been known for his defense, and while age has robbed him of his athleticism, he is still a tall defender with good instincts.

He plays smart, team-oriented defense, and would be a boost to any Western Conference contender.

However, given the Clippers penchant for mixing it up on the court, collecting technical fouls, and generally going through a complete emotional meltdown every once in a while, maybe an emotional and controversial player like the Big Ticket would not be a good fit.

Over the years, Garnett has been accused of the vilest trash talk, including making fun of cancer victims and using homophobic and racial slurs. He has also been known to punch a shooter in the nuts, if he feels like doing so.

On the other hand, Garnett is a fierce competitor and playoff warrior. No one questions his effort or toughness on the court, and he is an NBA champion.

It is a mixed bag, should this ever come to fruition, but I would much rather the Clippers go after the more even tempered Stoudemire than the crazed psychopath in Garnett.

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