Latest Marion rumor

The rumblings about Kevin Garnett possibly being dealt to the Lakers have died down, but the NBA rumor mill is continuing to work overtime with the draft less than 36 hours away.

The latest hot rumor is a potential three-team scenario between the Timberwolves, Suns, and Celtics that has Garnett heading to Phoenix and Shawn Marion possibly coming to Boston. According to ESPN’s Jim Gray, who did not cite any sources in a report on ESPN.com, the talks between the three teams were rekindled as of Tuesday night. It was one of two reported scenarios that would land KG in the desert.

What we don’t know is how far along those talks are, or even if they’re still ongoing. What we do know is that Danny Ainge has been shopping the team’s No. 5 pick, was in Phoenix yesterday to watch Corey Brewer, Joakim Noah, and Jeff Green, and is having a few players in for workouts in Waltham today that could signal a willingness to move down in the draft.

More on this from the Globe’s Shira Springer from today’s NBA notebook:

“With Danny Ainge traveling to Phoenix yesterday to watch Corey Brewer, Joakim Noah, and Jeff Green work out (again), and [Nick] Young coming to Waltham today, there seems a possibility of a deal in the works involving Phoenix and Boston and/or a third team.

“According to league sources, Phoenix forward Shawn Marion has long interested Boston, though one sticking point could be the $33.6 million remaining on his deal, with a player option worth $17.2 million for 2008-09. It wouldn't make sense for the Celtics to unload young assets like Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Delonte West, or Tony Allen without any guarantee that Marion would be around longer-term. It is also worth noting that league and team sources have said Ainge is extremely reluctant to trade Jefferson.

“Still, with the Suns looking to dump salary and picks, they could be the perfect trading partner for the Celtics, who have tried to trade the No. 5 pick since the lottery May 22. Phoenix has the No. 24, No. 29, and No. 59 picks.”

Is there anything to this? At this time of year, most of these rumored “megadeals” end up fizzling long before they become reality. But it’s fun to imagine the possibilities, isn’t it?