The 2007 Boston Big Three

The Boston Celtics had been a struggling franchise for several years leading up to the 2007 NBA offseason. Coming off a disappointing 24-win season, the team was desperate for a major overhaul. Little did they know that their fortunes were about to change dramatically as they plotted a move that would ultimately bring them their 17th NBA championship.

Enter Kevin Garnett, a future Hall of Fame power forward who had spent his entire career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Garnett was widely considered one of the best players in the league, but his talents were being wasted on a middling Timberwolves team. He yearned for a shot at championship glory and the Celtics were ready to give him that opportunity.

The trade negotiations were complex and involved multiple teams. The initial idea was to create a “Big Three” in Boston, with star power forward Paul Pierce already anchoring the Celtics’ roster. The team also had sharpshooter Ray Allen on their radar, and acquiring him would complete the trio that would eventually form the nucleus of an unstoppable force.

(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

In July 2007, the Celtics sealed the deal with the Timberwolves, acquiring Garnett in exchange for a package of players and future draft picks. The move was greeted with great enthusiasm by fans who saw the potential of the newly formed trio. However, it was not all smooth sailing from the start.

There were challenges the team had to overcome. Garnett had to adjust to a new system and blend in with his new teammates. The Celtics also faced challenges in the Eastern Conference, particularly from LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, as the season progressed, it became clear that the Celtics were something special.

The “Big Three” quickly developed great chemistry on the court. Each player complemented the other’s strengths, making the team almost unbeatable. Their combined talent, experience, and desire to win propelled the Celtics to the top of the league standings. They won an incredible 66 games in the regular season, finishing with the best record in the NBA.

In the playoffs, the Celtics continued their dominance, defeating their rivals en route to the NBA Finals. There, they faced the Los Angeles Lakers in a historic matchup. Led by their three stars, the Celtics defeated the Lakers in six games to clinch the franchise’s 17th NBA championship, their first since the days of Larry Bird.

The arrival of Kevin Garnett was a turning point for the Boston Celtics. It not only resurrected the franchise but also established the blueprint for assembling a superstar trio. Many teams would try to replicate this model in the following years, but the original “Big Three” would always hold a special place in the hearts of Celtics fans.

Kevin Garnett’s acquisition marked a new era for the Celtics, one filled with success and championship aspirations. It was a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and, above all, the transformative impact a single player can have on a team.