The Boston Celtics made a landmark deal in 2007, acquiring star forward Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a trade that would change the course of the franchise's history.
Garnett was initially hesitant to sign an extension with the Celtics due to the lack of high-caliber talent on the roster, apart from forward Paul Pierce. However, the earlier addition of sharpshooting UConn alum Ray Allen that summer proved enticing enough for KG to finalize the agreement.
The trade was consummated soon after, with Garnett agreeing to a three-year extension supplementing the two remaining years on his current contract. In return, the Celtics sent Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, cash, and draft considerations to Minnesota.
Garnett went on to win a title with the team in 2008, be elected Defensive Player of the Year that season, make five All-Star games, and earn many more such honors during his six seasons with the team.
In related news, the Celtics also made other notable moves around the same time. In 2012, ex-Celtics center Jason Collins signed a contract with Boston, playing 32 games with the franchise that season before he was traded to the Washington Wizards in February 2013.
The Celtics also waived one-time Celtics guard Gabe Pruitt in 2009, after he put up 2 points a game across 62 games played in two seasons with Boston.
Today is also the birthday of Celtics short-timer Mel Hirsch, who was born on this day in 1921. Hirsch played 13 games for Boston in their inaugural season of 1946-47, averaging 1.5 points per game.
Massenburg, another Celtics player born on this day, played stints with the San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Hornets before playing through a pair of 10-day deals with the Celtics in 1992.
Source: Yahoo Sports