It is no secret that the Bulls, among others, have long coveted future Celtic Kevin Garnett, and according to Sam Smith, Chicago tried to deal for Garnett as recently as last month's NBA Draft.

Timberwolves sources say there were discussions about the Bulls' first-round pick, which they used for Joakim Noah, a future first-rounder, Tyrus Thomas and potential short-term contracts involving P.J. Brown and others.

Minnesota balked before the 2007 draft with the Bulls, though not as strongly as it did a year ago when the Bulls were willing to part with Luol Deng, Tyson Chandler and the No. 2 overall pick in the draft for Garnett. Teams then were told Minnesota would never deal Garnett.

According to the Boston Globe, the Celtics will send Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair and two first-round picks to the Timberwolves.

The deal is said to be agreed upon by both teams pending an agreement for a massive, $60-plus million contract extension for Garnett. It would put Boston deep into the luxury tax with several roster spots open, so there was still a question about a final agreement. But the players supposedly have been told to expect a deal.