Before the Nets tipped off against the Clippers Monday night, there was a great deal of focus on Kevin Garnett facing former coach Doc Rivers. Many have speculated that KG and the Nets could hammer out a buyout this season, which would free the veteran up for the possibility of reuniting with Rivers in Los Angeles. However, Garnett is not looking to be bought out of the final year of his deal with Brooklyn, sources tell Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com.
Garnett, 38, told reporters on Sunday that he is “all in” with the Nets and enjoys serving as a mentor to the team’s youngsters, such as Mason Plumlee. Even from a distance, Rivers told reporters that he can see the impact that the 15-time All-Star is having on the Duke product.
“Plumlee I think is the biggest beneficiary of having Kevin around,” Rivers said, according to Youngmisuk. “I can’t imagine the tutelage and experience that Plumlee gets from Kevin every single day. Kevin is a great teacher.”
For the time being, it sounds like Garnett is likely to finish out the year in Brooklyn. Heading into tonight’s game, Garnett had averages of 6.8 PPG and 6.9 RPG in 21 minutes per contest.