The Celtics will hold a press conference tonight at 6 p.m at the TD Banknorth Garden. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Doc Rivers, and Danny Ainge are all scheduled to be in attendance.

Here is the Celtics press release:

 The Boston Celtics announced today that they have acquired 10-time All-Star and 2004 MVP Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, a 2009 first round draft pick (top three protected) and a return of Minnesota’s conditional first round draft pick previously obtained in the Ricky Davis-Wally Szczerbiak trade. Minnesota also receives cash considerations in the deal.

“Kevin Garnett is a great player in our league, with a fierce and competitive spirit, who brings offensive scoring prowess and a defensive presence to our team,” Executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge said. “The players we’re trading to Minnesota have bright futures in the NBA and we wish them well.”

The 12-year pro is one of just five players in NBA history to amass at least 19,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists joining Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley. The 6’11” 253lb forward led the NBA in rebounding for the fourth consecutive season this past year and is just the fourth player in NBA history to do so. He joins Chamberlain, Moses Malone and Dennis Rodman as the only players to accomplish that feat. Garnett has been named to the All-NBA First Team three times (2000, 2003, 2004), the All-NBA Second Team three times (2001, 2002, 2005) and the All-NBA Third Team twice (1999, 2007). Garnett has also been named to the All-NBA Defensive First and Second Teams eight times. His NBA efficiency score of 29.2 was the highest rated of all NBA players in the 2006-2007 season.

“While it’s difficult to part ways with the young players we’ve worked hard to develop, Kevin has been the consummate professional player in the NBA and a player who I have marveled at over the years,” Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers said. “Kevin leaves everything he has out on the floor every game. He has drive, passion and a hunger to win that is unmatched across the league.”

The product of Farragut Academy High School in Illinois became the first player in more than 20 years to be drafted directly out of high school in 1995 when he was taken fifth overall by Minnesota. He currently has the longest active streak for scoring in double-figures with 398 straight games that dates back to the beginning of the 2002-03 season. That streak of 398 games is good for eighth best in NBA history. Garnett currently ranks 41st in scoring in League history, as well as 27th in rebounds.

“I am excited to become a Celtic,” Garnett said. “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to play with players the quality of Paul (Pierce) and Ray (Allen). The Celtics have had a proud tradition and now I hope that we can add to the legacy.”

"As owners we are delighted to have a core of three All Star talents to anchor our team,” co-owner Wyc Grousbeck remarked. "Speaking for my partners, while we will miss the valuable players we have traded, we have assembled a group of veteran players who demonstrate Celtic Pride on the court and in the community and who will work hard to deliver a championship contender to the fans of New England.”

Reports on Foxsports.com and SI.com are reporting that a trade between the Red Sox and Rangers for reliever Eric Gagne is moving forward.. However, there are still issues to be overcome, including the fact that Gagne must waive his no-trade clause for the deal to go through and Gagne wants to be a closer. According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the Sox would send outfield prospect David Murphy and pitcher Kason Gabbard to Texas.

If Gagne decides to accept this trade, It would be a great deal for the Sox giving them a sweet late inning bullpen of Okijima, Gagne & Papelbon.

Brief show commenting on the trades. I have mixed feelings, but I'm pumped about the Celtics contention for the Championship for the next 3-5 years. At least, the Eastern Conference Championship! I also did a quick look at the Dye trade rumors, and the Mark Teixeira trade talks.

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It looks like it will be Big Al, Gerald Green, Telfair, and Theo Ratliff. The deal could be finalized later tonight, but currently it looks like Big Al will be part of the deal. It looks like this deal is getting very close to being finalized. We just need KG to extend his contract and I think this deal will go through. I will try and get a show up tonight devoted to analyzing the deal.

The Globe is now reporting that there is possibly a new HUGE TWIST in the Garnett to Boston deal.

As the trade currently stands, the Celtics would send Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and two first-round picks to the Timberwolves for Garnett.

Al Jefferson is not included in the deal at the moment.

It is uncertain how the teams would deal with Garnett's trade clause that calls for a 15 percent salary increase.

As of this morning, there still remained issues on the table to negotiate, not the least of which is the player option worth $24 million that Garnett holds for the 2008-09 season.

Wow! This sounds to good to be true. If it is true, Start raising banner #17!

Crazy day on the trade rumors front, first the Celtics, now the Sox. Gordon Edes is reporting:

A major league source said a short time ago that chances were “pretty good” that the Red Sox would complete a deal with the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Jermaine Dye.

In exchange for Dye, the White Sox would get Wily Mo Pena and one of either minor league pitcher Justin Masterson or Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen.

Dye a former World Series MVP, a right-handed outfielder, is hitting .229 with 17 home runs, 50 RBIs, and a .288 on-base percentage this season.

This appears to be a good trade for the Sox, but who is going to sit? JD Drew and his70 million dollar deal? I doubt it. Coco Crisp? too valuable defensively. The only thing that I can think of is maybe Ortiz being rested for awhile, but then what?

Espn, Fox Sports and WEEI are once again all reporting that a trade for Kevin Garnett could happen in the next 48 hours. The specifics of the deal seem to differ though. Fox Sports reports:

The on-again, off-again deal with the Boston Celtics acquiring Kevin Garnett apparently is back on.

According to sources, the current deal on the table has the 6-foot-11 Garnett heading to Boston and the Celtics dealing away Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff's hefty expiring contract and Rajon Rondo. There may also be other players and draft picks involved.

It's not quite done, but three industry sources — including one close to the Celtics — told FOXSports.com that it's extremely close and could become official within the next 48 hours.

"It's basically done," one source said. "If it does happen, this will make the Celtics relevant again."

Celtics boss Danny Ainge attempted to trade for the Minnesota Timberwolves star forward prior to the NBA Draft, but the 31-year-old perennial All-Star had no interest in heading to Boston.

Jackie MacMullan is reporting that McHale wanted Rondo, but Ainge is not budging on that. Which is great news because who would run the show?

So it appears that the ESPN and WEEI reports are more acurate and make more sense.

It's believed that the latest incarnation of the deal would have Boston adding Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair and multiple future draft picks to Jefferson and Ratliff in exchange for Garnett. It's also likely that other players would have to be added to the deal, since the salary-cap math involved would require both teams to account for Garnett's $6.75 million trade kicker.

I'll still be upset to see Big Al go, but this would give us a legitimate "Big 3" Pierce, Allen & Garnett. We'll see if this happens soon.

Training camp officially started this week:

 Randy Moss has his official number now after the release of Jonathan Smith made it available, #81.

The PUP (physically unable to perform) list now consists of WR Troy Brown, WR Chad Jackson, DB Eddie Jackson, DB Mel Mitchell, DE Richard Seymour, and TE David Thomas. I expect that Chad Jackson will continue to be on this list into the season and will either join the team between week 6 and 9 or be placed on injured reserve. Troy Brown's contract has the same amount of guaranteed money as his cap value, a reflection of his worth to the Patriots and indicating that it is not likely that he will be cut from the PUP list or 53 man roster. Eddie Jackson is another player that likely will take this path or be released. Kelley Washington was on the PUP list until he was cleared Wednesday.

Justise Hairston, after being on the PUP list, was released by the Patriots. He was one of the Pats 6th round picks and had just signed a 3 year deal recently. He should have a cap hit of about $18,333 this year and one of $36,667 next year.

First round pick, Brandon Merriweather, has signed a 5 year contract with the Patriots. He was the last of the Patriots draft picks to sign a contract.  

 Lance Briggs and the Chicago Bears came to an agreement. He will play with the Bears, get his money upfront, and the Bears will not put the franchise tag on him after the season. This deal could give Asante Samuel some leverage in his negotiations with the Patriots.

Cornerback Chad Scott was carted off the field during practice today.

Jose Canseco responded in a radio interview to these Schilling comments and other topics.

Schilling said "this will be the steroids era forever" and proposed that Jose Canseco and Rafael Palmeiro should be punished for steroids use.

"Jose Canseco admitted he cheated his entire career," Schilling said. "Everything he ever did should be wiped clean. I think his MVP should go back and should go to the runner-up."

Click photo to hear the interview.

 

With the Baseball trade deadline coming up on Tuesday, here are the names that the Sox are interested in acquiring.

There seems to be a bit of unease in Patriot Nation about this upcoming season. Could this be the Patriots last title run? Will Bill Belichick be leaving for new challenges after this season? What will happen with Asante Samuel? Will he report or hold out? Do the Patriots’ free agent signings and trades signify that the they are going for broke now? Are the Patriots getting old? Will the salary cap catch up to the Patriots? Have the Jets caught up to us? Are the Chargers, Bengals, and Jaguars passing us? No! We should not be worried.

Losing Belichick would be terrible. That would certainly hurt the future and present of the team, but evidenced by the loyalty that he has shown to us, the Patriots fan, so far, one could surmise that he wouldn’t leave without an adequate replacement. Perhaps Belichick will leave, but only when he is sure that his successor, Josh McDaniels or perhaps Romeo Crennel, after leaving the Cleveland Browns, will be able to take over the team.

Failing to wrap up Asante Samuel in a long term deal is certainly a blow. He was one of the best corners last year and was a huge part of our 12 win season. We should not expect him to hold out for the season, though. He may skip the preseason games but he should sign the franchise tender and be ready for Week 1 to play against the Jets. Playing instead of sitting out for the first 10 weeks is a risk, but… Asante needs the money. He may not perform up to the level of pay that he expects to in the last 6 games of the season. NFL GMs have short memories; they won’t remember his 10 interception performance from the 2006-2007 season in the spring of 2008. Asante is a competitor that wants a shot at winning a Super Bowl. What if Belichick benches him for the remainder of the season after sitting out the first 10 games?

We saw this offseason the signings of several free agents and trades to bring in key players. Kyle Brady, Randy Moss, Sammie Morris, Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, Adalius Thomas, and Kelley Washington are the most notable of these acquisitions. Do these players signify a strategy for the Patriots to win now? It shouldn’t. Brady and Morris were added as role players, having limited cost to the Patriots, but filling potentially vital roles. Wes Welker and Adalius Thomas should be key players at the wide receiver and linebacker positions for several seasons to come. Adding Moss, Stallworth, and Washington are certainly curious acquisitions. They have cap friendly costs this year and should provide for immediate improvement over last years passing game, but all could three could be considered to be under a one year contract. Stallworth and Washington certainly have more years under contract if Pioli chooses to keep them, but their contract would leave minor penalties if they were released. Overall, a couple of acquisitions were meant to fill specific roles, others were for long term solutions and immediate results, and a few for present effect. We should also remember that the Patriots will own 5 first day picks in the 2008 draft, which should be a fairly deep draft.

Every great team or player in every sport throughout history has eventually had their runs of success ended. It is inevitable. But for the Patriots, the inevitable end is not here. Tom Brady is truly just entering his prime and should be an elite quarterback for another 3 to 5 years. As long as he is a smart quarterback, whose body hasn’t failed him, the Patriots will be a contender. The offensive side of the ball is fairly young. Maroney can be a star running back for the next 8 years. The offensive line is one of the best, 4^th according to Cold Hard Football Facts Offensive Hog Index, and mostly under contract for the next few years. The defensive line is also one of the best, also rated 4^th according to Cold Hard Football Facts Defensive Hog Index, and mostly under contract for the next few years. Not one of the defensive linemen is over 28 years old. The secondary is also considered one of the best in the NFL and mostly young, Eugene Wilson, Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs, Brandon Merriweather, Randall Gay, James Sanders, Willie Andrews, Mike Richardson. The next few years, we will see the linebacker corps get younger as Bruschi, Seau, and Vrabel leave, make mistakes, become a liability, but with a strong secondary, a strong defensive line, and a strong offense, that small weakness should covered.

The status of the Patriots salary cap will be tied to how our receivers perform. If Moss performs as he did when he was at his best and the Patriots re-sign him, we would be looking at a major piece of cap space. Stallworth and Washington are each projected to take up a lot of space. If we do have cap problems in the next few years, it will be because our wide receivers are one of the best groups in the NFL. Cap problems will then be a symptom of a good thing. Rookies from this year’s class and especially next year’s class should fill out much of the roster at just a small cost. Assuming the cap continues to grow as it has (and it will) and how the Patriots are expected to use it, there should be no problem in managing it, eventually re-signing Hobbs, Wilson, Warren, Wilfork, O’Callaghan and/ or Kaczur, Mankins, or Watson. It should be possible to keep much of the talented core together as they enter the prime years of their careers.

Every team has questions. The Jets are looking to redo their entire offense and their defensive line. The Jaguars are looking to find permanent solutions to the quarterback and skill positions. The Bengals are trying to find a defense. The Patriots are lucky. We have one of the best two quarterbacks in the game, terrific talent at most every position, and lots of youth. The only situations to be worried about is whether Asante Samuel reports, whether Maroney and the other running backs will hold up and perform as well as if not better than they did last year, and whether Belichick is in his final situation. With so little to worry about, we are lucky.

I guess doing Michael Jackson's Thriller dance is the newest thing to do. Last February I posted two wedding parties doing the routine.

Now here are 1,500 plus CPDRC inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Cebu, Philippines practicing! CRAZZY!

- I think the return of Jon Lester last night was great. What a comeback.

- I think Michael Vick is in a lot or trouble. What an idiot. The guy just through away millions of dollars to watch dog fighting. That was a good move. STUPID

- I think it is nice to see Manny hitting well again. The offense looks good right now even without Papi. I mean even Coco and Lugo are hitting right now.

- I hear all of these Mark Texiera rumors and I just don't get it. Who are you going to sit? Youk? Lowell? I think the Sox have bigger issues right now.

- I think I can't wait for the beginning of training camp. Football is almost here. It is a wonderful thing.

- It also means that Fantasy Football is almost here. I can't wait for draft day.

- Do you want to know "Who is NOT Now"? How about ESPN? Sportscenter is tough to watch these days. And what is with the toolbar on the right side of the screen on the AM edition? It just makes the screen that much smaller to see. I don't get it.

- What thing I do like is ESPN radio. If you haven't already check out Mike and Mike on ESPN 890 AM. Good stuff, no annoying callers, and lots of good top notch guests each week. Check it out.

- The Mike Felger show in the afternoon is good too. It is funny and the hosts don't just hell at each other like on WEEI.

- I just found out that CBS cancelled "Pirate Masters". I am totally bummed. Don't get me wrong. The show was terrible but I was hooked. There is nothing else to watch during the summer.

- Check out my list of "Must Read SportZ Books" on the left side of the site. If anyone has any suggestions please forward them along. I am also looking for something to read to pass the time on the train.

- This whole referee scandal in the NBA is crazy. The NBA couldn't get people to watch last year. Do you really think people are going to watch now if they think it is fixed. Can you just see it now? Every time a call goes against the C's, Heinsohn is going to think the game is fixed.

- I wish Barry Bonds would just hurry up and get the HR's he needs to break the record. I am so sick and tired about hearing about him. Just go away.

- What a bad month for sports! Vick, the NBA ref, and the Bonds steroid issue. Maybe the NHL is looking better and better? Ay maybe not.

- I think I wish I had as much vacation time as the CEO has. As once again he took a few days off to visit Boston. What is it with him? Boston is nice but do you really need to go there every week and leave the Cape? Come on. Get back to work.

- Speaking of work, I should probably get back it to it too as the CEO is not paying my bills (yet?).

If there are any young soccer fans out there who'd love to meet David Beckham, here's your chance. There is this charity auction on Ebay.

When: Sunday, August 12, 2007
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

The New England Revolution take on the Los Angeles Galaxy and soccer icon David Beckham. Your child, between the ages of 5 and 14, can be David Beckham's pregame escort onto the Gillette Stadium Playing field.

I never understood why if you were somewhere where Javelins were being thrown, You ALWAYS wouldn't stay behind the thrower.

It's official Drew Carey has accepted CBS’s offer to replace Bob Barker as the new host of “The Price Is Right.” James Hibberd of TV Week reports

The actor-comedian made the announcement while taping CBS’s “Late Show With David Letterman.”

“Honestly, it was like 15 minutes ago, [my agents] called me, it’s a done deal,” Carey said on “Letterman.” “I’m the new host of ‘The Price Is Right.’”

Carey was offered the position after CBS saw his hosting skills in its upcoming prime-time game show “Power of 10.”

I absolutely think this is the best choice. He should be far better than the other people who were in the running,  Rosie O'Donnell, George Hamilton, John O'Hurley, Todd Newton and Mark Steines

After the recent death of Tammy Faye, it really gets you thinking of how much cancer can affect people. It is one of the deadliest diseases known to man. These cancer survival stories are always very inspiring to hear. Luckily, I only know one person with cancer, a friend to the family. I can't imagine how it would feel like to have your brother, parent, spouse, or your best friend to have it. Shaugnessy wrote a very good article in the Globe today, that goes into this further. People around the country will be pulling for Lester. It's not just a start for the game, but an end to his whole cancer ordeal. I thought that should be thrown out there before I take a look at the starters.

The Indians have the best home record in the majors. Jake Westbrook has had a rough year going 1-5 with a 6.07 ERA. His skid hasn't ended for him either, he's 0-2 in July with a 6.00 ERA. A name lost in this is Trot Nixon, which won't be quite the same buzz at Fenway, but he'll be another guy I'll keep my eyes on tonight. Manny and Coco will be making returns to Cleveland.  Cleveland has some devastating guys in Sizemore, Victor Martinez, and Hafner. I think the Red Sox should have the upper hand though in this match-up just for the fact of their pitching rotation. Lester, Dice-K, Beckett, and the new and refreshing Gabbard who can do no wrong. I won't laugh at their probables though (excluding Westbrook) as they have Sabathia (leader in wins) and Carmona for Tuesday and Wednesday. Cliff Lee against Gabbard should be interesting, but in the last 2 outings for Cliff, he has given up 14 ER in 12 innings.

If the Red Sox can get at least a split in this series, I would say it's a sucess. I'm expecting the Red Sox to take 3 out of 4 but that's just my homerism talking. Let's go Lester! 

With all these new sports talk shows on TV these days, Let's not forget the past and The great job Sam Malone did.

Jon Lester will return to the Red Sox on Monday where he will start against the Indians.

It will mark Lester's first start for the Red Sox since Aug. 23, 2006, after which he was diagnosed with a treatable form of anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Lester will replace Julian Tavarez, who has struggled of late, in the starting rotation. Tavarez is now in the bullpen and manager Terry Francona said the right-hander was available for duty during Sunday afternoon's game against the White Sox.

Its official we have less than 48 hours till the 7th and final installment of the Harry Potter series shows up to my doorstep!(CLICK BOOK TO ORDER)  Yes, I do realize that it is a children's book but this Muggle loves them and cannot wait to pour over hundreds of pages to see what fate awaits Harry and his gang of friends.  It has been two years since the last book came out and if I had a whole lot of extra time I would love to read it again but it really is just to time consuming to do again!!  When we last left Harry the somewhat evil teacher Snape had murdered sweet Dumbledore and Harry was left chasing him.  It will be interesting to see if Snape inherently ends up being evil or good.  Generally when a character has been set up to be evil he always ends up being in the end good.  I can only hope Snape and Dumbledore had a plan and it will aid Harry in the end with a showdown with Lord Voldermont.  My wish for the book is to give Harry and all his fans closure and not leave it open ended ala Sopranos.  Now if only my girlies will allow me the time to read it so as to not find out the outcome that is already being spread around the internet.  For now I will gear up for a great fantasy adventure and put the blinders on when anyone mentions it.  Thank God for no computer at the cottage!!!  Be back with my verdict later!!!