The only problem with Garnett is that he has a no trade clause in his contract which means he can approve or say no to any trade that involves him. Garnett made it known yesterday through his representatives that he has no interest in joining the Nuggets.

Garnett has said on record that, “he bleeds green” which indicates that he wants to stay a Celtic. In 2007 however, he also told the Timberwolves at the time that he didn’t want to go to Boston. Things could change, but don’t bet on it unless the Celtics trade Paul Pierce away.

Feb 3, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) reacts during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Even if Garnett does change his mind, it’s likely he won’t approve a trade that doesn’t include the Clipper or the Lakers. Garnett has a home in Los Angeles and has said before he wouldn’t mind playing there.

For the Nuggets, Garnett has everything they could want. He has the size, the grit, the poise, the leadership and the skill – an All-Star starter this year despite his age – that could lead them deeper into the playoffs.

What their interest does show however is that the Nuggets aren’t satisfied with their team. Yes they are winners of seven straight. Yes they are right there in the hunt for fourth place in the Western Conference.

What is lacking however, is an inside presence. JaVale McGee is excellent when it comes to help defense, but man-t0-man, he struggles. Even against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Nuggets had to battle back and even let Samuel Dalembert (really?) drop over 30 points on them.

While it’s a moot point to discuss who the Nuggets would dangle out as trade bait since Garnett won’t consider Denver, it’s interesting to see where the Nuggets go from here. Will they make a deal? Will they stand pat?

No matter what they do, they’ll have to look elsewhere as Garnett has made it clear that he won’t be donning the powder blue and yellow anytime soon.

Oh how the times have changed.

Fast-forward five years and the big three is no more as Allen took his talents to South Beach this offseason. Instead, it’s Garnett and Pierce playing second fiddle to Rondo. I guess that transition worked out well for the young guard, eh?

The Celtics are getting older and after a miraculous run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, they knew this was their last season they could make some noise. Unfortunately for the Celtics (and NBA fans in general), their chances seemingly came to an end a little over a week ago when it was announced that Rondo tore his ACL and would miss the remainder of the season.

Jan 22, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) is helped to his feet in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Almost instantly, the talk of breaking up the Celtics and start the re-building mode started. Of course, re-building must start with getting rid of Pierce and Garnett.

As many teams around the league were, the Nuggets were included in the talk of trading for Garnett. On 104.3 The Fan in Denver, the talk was trading Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mozgov and a first-round pick for the 36-year-old Garnett.

A few weeks ago, I said that the Nuggets should trade Mozgov to the Celtics for Leandro Barbosa, Fab Melo and a pick. With the injuries to Rondo and Jared Sullinger, Barbosa and Sullinger will more than likely stay in Boston for the remainder of the year.

Boston still has the interest in Mozgov however, and Chandler would be able to spell the elder Pierce (unless they trade him) and fill in for Jason Terry at the two-guard.

Subsequently, the Nuggets could insert Garnett right away into the starting lineup to take over for Kosta Koufos at center and spell Faried to allow JaVale McGee to continue to get his minutes from the bench.

Feb 01, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) shoots against Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second quarter at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

While the trade works for both teams, is this really the trade to make? Giving up Mozgov is nothing, but Chandler and a first-round pick for a 36-year-old aging veteran is a risk. Garnett is a shell of his old self at 14.8 points and 7.3 rebounds in 3o minutes per contest.

While I personally believe Garnett will retire at the end of the season, we saw just last night what a veteran leader can bring to the team. Ray Lewis’ skills have diminished slightly, but he was able to lead his team to a Super Bowl title.

Could Garnett do the same?

Could Garnett bring back memories of another famous Boston-Denver deal?

Ray Bourque was in the last years of his career with the Boston Bruins and never had the chance to lift the Stanley Cup. In 2000, the Avalanche traded for Bourque and the veteran leader instantly became a leader in the clubhouse. In 2001, Bourque’s last in the NHL, he finally was able to lift the Stanley Cup.

Would the story be incredible? Absolutely. Is it likely to happen? In my opinion, no.

While the Nuggets would welcome Garnett with open arms, the real need continues to be a three-point shooter as the Nuggets are in the bottom five in the league from behind the arc.

Garnett’s name will continue to circulate as the trade deadline approaches, but don’t expect Garnett to be wearing powder blue anytime soon.