Before Kevin Garnett was dealt to Boston in the offseason, Golden State quietly made a strong push to acquire the 10-time All-Star.

"When you have a chance to get one of the three best players in the league, of course you try," said Warriors' executive vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin. "The fact is, he was dealt somewhere else. You can't make someone deal it to you. You move forward. When those great players come up, you're automatically interested."

Garnett's agent Andy Miller didn't believe the Wolves were serious about trading their all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, and assists until early June. Eager to add the future Hall of Famer, the Celtics, Warriors, Lakers, Bulls, and Mavericks were the main teams showing interest, according to an NBA source.

The source said the Warriors' package for Garnett included forward Al Harrington, center Andris Biedrins, guard Monta Ellis, and the 18th pick in this year's draft. The Lakers dangled forward Lamar Odom and center Andrew Bynum but couldn't acquire a high draft pick to sweeten the offer. Chicago spoke of sending Ben Gordon or Luol Deng, plus Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Sefolosha, and P.J. Brown in a sign-and-trade and their ninth overall pick for Garnett and another player. Dallas offered anybody but 2007 NBA MVP Dirk Nowitzki.