Kevin Garnett unclear of future with struggling Nets
With Kevin Garnett's career on its last legs, questions about his future with the Brooklyn Nets have intensified.
The 20-year veteran is on a $12-million expiring contract and is playing in a limited capacity with the slumping Nets, losers of 12 of their last 14 games. Besides serving in a mentoring role for the team's younger players, like second-year center Mason Plumlee, Garnett has little to offer to the Nets at this point in his career.
It's led to recent speculation that the two sides will eventually part ways this season and agree to a buyout, but the 38-year-old hasn't mentally processed that scenario yet.
"I haven't really thought about the intangibles on the side," Garnett said after Sunday's practice, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. "I don’t know what management is going to do. When my situation comes up, I’ll obviously give it some attention."
A breakup makes sense for Garnett, in addition to the Nets. Garnett could very well be playing in his final NBA season, and a buyout would allow the future Hall of Famer to chase another championship before he caps off his illustrious career.
The Nets have been a mess and are on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture with an 18-28 record. But, for now, Garnett appears content with sticking things through in Brooklyn.
"I'm all-in here," Garnett said. "You understand what that means? Mase (Plumlee), the young guys, Cory (Jefferson), I've been trying to help them develop."
Garnett continued:
"I haven't thought too much of my own personal (contract situation). When that road comes, I'll cross it and I'll deal with it," he said. "A lot of things with family situation and things, it's not just convenient to get up and move, to change things. It's not as convenient as it once was when I was younger. I have a lot more responsibilities and things to take into account."
The 15-time All-Star is averaging 6.8 points and 6.9 rebounds, while shooting 44.7 percent from the field in 21 minutes per game.