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Garnett agrees to an extension with Celtics

Print | Comments () Posted by Gary Washburn Globe Staff June 30, 2012 11:03 AM

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By Gary Washburn, Globe Staff

The Celtics' offseason puzzle just got a little easier to manage as Kevin Garnett has agreed to return to the club on a three-year contract, an NBA source has confirmed. Garnett was considering retirement but will come back to TD Garden on a contract at about half of the $21 million he earned last season.

Garnett was eligible for an extension and the Celtics had been negotiating with the future Hall of Famer for the past two weeks. Garnett seriously considered retirement but finished last season with such a strong push that he agreed to return, giving the Celtics another legitimate chance to compete for the NBA title.

Garnett's career stats

Garnett averaged 15.8 points and 8.2 rebounds last season but that improved to 19.2 and 10.3 in the postseason. Celtics coach Doc Rivers moved Garnett to center after the All-Star Break and he flourished in that role.

With Garnett back, team president of basketball operations Danny Ainge can now concentrate on bringing back Brandon Bass and perhaps Ray Allen as well as a free-agent center. Free agency officially begins Saturday at midnight.