It makes all kinds of sense that Boston would be interested in Kevin Garnett. They're a big market team in need of a savior. He's a big-time player ripe for a change, whose value could be unlocked on the big stage.

A couple of very smart people -- including one with some inside knowledge -- told me over the last few weeks that when the Kevin Garnett-to-Boston rumors start appearing, to take them a little more seriously than the vast majority of trade rumors.

Which means, like all trades, it probably won't happen. But don't dismiss it entirely. 

ESPN Insider Chad Ford has been a machine lately, and now has sources saying Kevin McHale is fielding offers for his star. Contracts will make it tough for the Bulls to get Garnett, which leaves this potential deal, as Ford writes:

From what I'm hearing -- and at this point it's just a hot rumor -- the Wolves and Boston Celtics are talking about a Garnett deal.

In this scenario, Boston would send Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, and change to Minnesota along with the No. 5 pick in the upcoming draft. In exchange, the Celtics would get Garnett.

While a six-for-one trade would create some awkward roster dilemmas, it could work for Boston in this case because the Celtics would be giving up only one member of their core: Jefferson. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves would get an emerging low-post star, a wing player with a lot of upside, another high draft pick and future cap flexibility.

I don't know how real this is, but it's appealing, huh? The Celtics get someone on Paul Pierce's timetable, while the Timberwolves get that rebuild underway. Of course, it's stressful to trade away one of the best big men in the game. But with Garnett's contract and Minnesota's roster, it's tough to envision that team contending anytime soon (unless Randy Foye goes insane!).