Report: New Jersey Nets Will Target Kevin Garnett During Offseason

by Ricky Doyle on Wed, Mar 28, 2012 at 11:15AM

Kevin Garnett's contract is set to expire after this season, meaning he'll be free to sign anywhere. And while many Celtics fans would love to have him back in Green, other teams will likely make a strong push for the veteran power forward.

One such team is the New Jersey Nets. According to the New York Daily News, the Nets are targeting Garnett and Ersan Ilyasova (currently of the Bucks) in free agency.

The Nets, who will move to Brooklyn next season, will reportedly have roughly $8 million to work with this summer after renouncing the rights to Kris Humphries. The report indicates that Ryan Anderson (currently of the Magic) is another top forward who will be available, but that the Nets want a stronger rebounder alongside Brook Lopez.

Garnett could consider retirement, but he's proven this season that he still has some game left in the tank. The Big Ticket has averaged 15.4 points and 8.1 rebounds in 31 minutes per game this season, while also providing the Celtics with his usual superb defense and leadership skills.