More than two weeks later, it is official. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are no longer members of the Celtics.
The team announced Friday that the widely reported trade had been completed, sending Pierce, Garnett, Jason Terry and D.J. White to the Brooklyn Nets for Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, Keith Bogans, Kris Joseph, MarShon Brooks and three future first-round picks, plus the option to swap picks in the 2017 NBA draft.
“We would like to thank Paul, Kevin and Jason for everything that they have done for this franchise,” Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said in a statement. “We would not have won banner 17 without Paul and Kevin and they will go down amongst the all-time great players to have ever worn a Celtics uniform. At the same time, we are excited to welcome Gerald, Kris, Keith, MarShon and Kris to the Celtics family. They bring a wealth of talent, experience, depth and flexibility to our team.”
Pierce departs Boston as the second-leading scorer in franchise history with 24,201 career points and a 21.8 points per game average. He is first in steals, free throws, 3-pointers and third in games and minutes played. He played 15 seasons with the Celtics, leading them to the 2008 NBA championship and winning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award.
Garnett concludes his Celtics career after six seasons, five of which earned him All-Star berths. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team four times as a Celtic and was the 2007-08 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He took part in two NBA Finals teams, including the 2008 champs.
White’s inclusion was the lone surprise in the deal. White joined the Celtics on a 10-day contract late last season and was eventually given a multi-year deal, although his contract is non-guaranteed for the 2013-14 season.
