It's Official: Pierce, Garnett Are Brooklyn Nets
BOSTON (CBS) - It's official: Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are Brooklyn Nets.
The Boston Celtics and Nets finalized their draft night trade of the two Celtics greats, with Pierce, Garnett, Jason Terry and D.J. White heading to Brooklyn for forwards Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, and Kris Joseph, guards Keith Bogans and MarShon Brooks, and three first-round draft picks.
Read: Celtics Take Out Full-Page Ad Thanking Pierce, Garnett
"We would like to thank Paul, Kevin, and Jason for everything that they have done for this franchise. 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," Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge said in a release. "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."
"Paul and Kevin exemplified everything it means to be a Celtic," said Celtics Managing Partner and CEO Wyc Grousbeck. "They were instrumental in bringing back Celtic Pride and providing our fans with the franchise's first championship in over 20 years in 2008. We wish them nothing but the best in the future."
"We are really excited to welcome Gerald, Kris, Keith, MarShon and Kris to the Celtics organization," said Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens. "They collectively bring a great deal of versatility, unique skill sets and production to our roster. I cannot wait to get to work with them."
Boston receives Brooklyn's first-round picks in 2014, 2016 and 2018 in the deal, with the right to swap first-round picks in the 2017 draft.
Pierce, drafted 10th overall by Boston in 1998, leaves the Celtics ranked second in team history in points (24,021), third in games played (1,102) and minutes (40,360), fourth in assists (4,305) and second in points per game (21.8). He ranks first in team history in steals (1,583), three point field goals made (1,823) and attempted (4,928), and free throws made (6,434) and attempted (7,979).
Garnett appeared in 396 games with the Celtics, averaging 15.7 points and 8.3 rebounds. He was named an All-Star during five of the six seasons that he played for the Celtics and was named the 2007-08 Defensive Player of the Year.
