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Kevin Garnett’s Choice in Free Agency Could Impact How Celtics Approach Roster for Next Season

Kevin Garnett is reportedly waiting to see what direction the Celtics are going in before he signs on for another year or two with the club. The Celtics, meanwhile, are apparently waiting to see what direction Garnett wants to go in before they commit to a set plan for next season's roster.

At some point, someone will have to act, but until then Celtics fans must deal with the uncertainty of whether Garnett will return to Boston for 2012-13 or beyond. He could be the top unrestricted free agent big man on the market, something that will contribute to the negotiations between Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and Garnett's agent, Andy Miller.

Garnett is certain to receive a pay cut from the more than $21 million in salary he earned this season, but money is not expected to be the only factor behind Garnett continuing to play for the Celtics. With Ray Allen set for free agency this summer and Paul Pierce one year away from the end of his contract, Garnett understandably will be looking to see what the team's plan is beyond 2013. Only Rajon Rondo is under contract through that season, with the Celtics holding team options on Avery Bradley and JaJuan Johnson.

Garnett answered all the critics who questioned how much he had left in the tank with a strong end to the regular season and playoffs. A rejuvenated Garnett finished the season averaging 15.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, and increased those numbers to 19.2 points and 10.3 rebounds in the playoffs while battling pain in his back.

Despite reports that Garnett has considered retirement, the 36-year-old future Hall of Famer has not directly expressed his plans. If he does decide to continue playing, it would make sense for him to remain with one of only two franchises he has ever known and a coach that he trusts in Doc Rivers.

Should the Celtics keep Kevin Garnett or let him go?

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