http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_6246232 One by one, more sticking points surfaced Wednesday in the possible sweepstakes for Timberwolves all-star forward Kevin Garnett. Boston Celtics executive Danny Ainge said it's doubtful the Celtics will trade the No. 5 pick in tonight's NBA draft. Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kup-chak said he is preparing to make all three of his team's selections. That could make any potential trade involving Garnett difficult, given that the Wolves would be best served by acquiring a mix of high draft picks, salary cap relief and young talent. The No. 5 pick would be a key asset in any deal involving Boston and the Wolves, as well as other teams. ESPN has reported that Phoenix is in the lead for Garnett and could send Suns all-star forward Shawn Marion to Boston in a three-team trade, though Marion is reluctant to play for Boston. Minnesota would receive the No. 5 pick from Boston as well as undisclosed players from the Celtics and Suns, according to the report. "I think it's unlikely" the pick will be traded, Ainge was quoted by the Associated Press. "I've felt that way from the beginning, that these trades are hard to come by." Ainge scoffed at reports of possible deals and refused to comment on any of them. ESPN's Chad Ford on Wednesday reported a three-way trade proposal in which the Wolves are interested in acquiring the Nos. 3 and 11 picks from Atlanta in addition to salary-cap friendly contracts from the Hawks and Suns. Phoenix would receive Garnett and send all-star Amare Stoudemire to Atlanta. There are complications with all of these deals that appear to make them unlikely. The Suns reportedly don't want to trade Stoudemire. And Marion could want a lucrative contract extension from Boston to play there. Marion has an opt-out clause next summer, as does Garnett. That gives both of them considerable power in determining which teams acquire them. Garnett will make $22 million next season and $23 million in the final year of his deal, 2008-09. A trade kicker could add as much as $6.75 million to his contract, though that additional cash could be negotiated downward if Garnett consents. It has been reported that the trade-kicker money could be spread across last season and next season if he is traded before Sunday. Beginning Sunday, all $6.75 million would apply to next season's salary, raising Garnett's potential compensation to almost $29 million. Garnett already is the NBA's highest-paid player, and that trade kicker could present an additional hurdle in any trade negotiations. Phoenix already is well over the NBA's luxury tax threshold, and adding Garnett could push the team's limits financially. --

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