WALTHAM, Mass. -- Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said on Wednesday that he is still unclear as to whether free agent forward Kevin Garnett will re-sign with the Celtics, but expects to know before July 1 when the team can begin negotiations with other free agents.

"We're having a conversation with Kevin, but we don't have any answers on whether he's coming back or not," Ainge told reporters at the Celtics' practice facility in Waltham. "I'll know that by July 1. I'll be in communication with him and I'll have some sort of read on that and a better feel."

Ainge said he isn't rushing Garnett to make a decision, despite the fact that he's still the most important piece the team needs to establish before they openly pursue other players.

"There's no deadline with Kevin," Ainge said. "Kevin's the only free agent we have that we can talk to now. We don't have to wait until July 1 because he's eligible for an extension, but the rest of the players we have to wait until July 1."

Ainge said he still believes Garnett isn't considering playing for another team, believing he'll either choose the Celtics or retirement.

"I think so," Ainge said when asked about it being between the Celtics and retirement for Garnett. "As of right now, yeah."