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From the Timberwolves' website:

"This trade is about improving the Minnesota Timberwolves and improving our team for the future," said Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale. "The past few seasons our on-court performance has been disappointing to our fans, myself, Glen Taylor and the entire organization. Through this trade, we have obtained very talented, young players with a lot of potential, future flexibility with the salary cap and two future first-round NBA draft picks. This will not be an overnight fix, but it is the big step in renewing our commitment to build an exciting franchise for our fans."

"Personally, I want to thank Kevin for all of his hard work through the years and what he has meant to the Timberwolves franchise," McHale said. "He has been a tremendous player who has always given everything he has on the court. I wish him only the best for his future and the rest of his career."

"I want express my appreciation to Kevin for everything that he has done for the Timberwolves organization - both on and off the court," added Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor. "His work ethic is unmatched and he has developed into one of the all-time greats. I want to wish him and his family the best in the future."

"I know we are giving up a great player, however, we are gaining very talented young players and draft picks in return," Taylor said. "I am really excited about the future of the Minnesota Timberwolves. We have put together the building blocks for the future by adding quality young talent as well as future first-round picks in this trade to go along with our solid, young nucleus of Randy Foye, Craig Smith, Rashad McCants, Corey Brewer, and Chris Richard. We are young, but we are also extremely talented. Our fans will really enjoy watching this core group play and grow together for years to come."

From TrueHoop reader Jeremy V:

How anyone can consider this a win for the Wolves is beyond me.

Jefferson will not be nearly as effective against Western Conference power forwards. Green is all potential and no substance (and even if he was legit, we already have Foye). We still have Ricky Davis, Mark Blount, and Troy Hudson [for now] to kill any chance of locker room chemistry. Cap space doesn't do anything for small market franchises with no compelling superstar.

Nobody enjoyed the past few seasons, but even if we weren't good, at least we had KG and a reason to watch/cheer. If norm green killed hockey in Minnesota, then Glen Taylor just killed basketball. The Wolves are COMPLETELY irrelevant in Minnesota now. Suddenly, cheering for Tavaris jackson sounds awesome.

First we lost Kirby Puckett. Then Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper fell from grace on their way out of town. Now we lose Kevin Garnett and there's a damn good chance Torii Hunter says goodbye this summer.

Welcome to Minnesota ... We'll get your hopes up only to gut your sports fan soul.

From the Celtics' official website (where Garnett is already starring in a "Get Your Big Ticket" ad):

"Kevin Garnett is a great player in our league, with a fierce and competitive spirit, who brings offensive scoring prowess and a defensive presence to our team," Executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge said. "The players we're trading to Minnesota have bright futures in the NBA and we wish them well."

The 12-year pro is one of just five players in NBA history to amass at least 19,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists joining Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley. The 6'11" 253lb forward led the NBA in rebounding for the fourth consecutive season this past year and is just the fourth player in NBA history to do so. He joins Chamberlain, Moses Malone and Dennis Rodman as the only players to accomplish that feat. Garnett has been named to the All-NBA First Team three times (2000, 2003, 2004), the All-NBA Second Team three times (2001, 2002, 2005) and the All-NBA Third Team twice (1999, 2007). Garnett has also been named to the All-NBA Defensive First and Second Teams eight times. His NBA efficiency score of 29.2 was the highest rated of all NBA players in the 2006-2007 season.

"While it's difficult to part ways with the young players we've worked hard to develop, Kevin has been the consummate professional player in the NBA and a player who I have marveled at over the years," Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers said. "Kevin leaves everything he has out on the floor every game. He has drive, passion and a hunger to win that is unmatched across the league."

"I am excited to become a Celtic," Garnett said. "It's wonderful to have the opportunity to play with players the quality of Paul (Pierce) and Ray (Allen). The Celtics have had a proud tradition and now I hope that we can add to the legacy."

"As owners we are delighted to have a core of three All Star talents to anchor our team," co-owner Wyc Grousbeck remarked. "Speaking for my partners, while we will miss the valuable players we have traded, we have assembled a group of veteran players who demonstrate Celtic Pride on the court and in the community and who will work hard to deliver a championship contender to the fans of New England."

Jeff from CelticsBlog:

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