Boston Celtics: 8 Potential Replacements for Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett was a guest on the Dan Patrick radio show to kick off September, revealing that he has yet to have any negotiations with the team about a possible contract extension.

At 35 years old, some have begun to speculate that Garnett may decide to retire at the conclusion of his current deal, but the power forward proved last season that he's still got plenty left in the tank.

Garnett is a unique talent, and it's no slam dunk that he'll be ready to walk away from the game that he loves after his contract expires in 2012.

If the Celtics are forced to move in a different direction, these eight guys may be on the team's radar as a potential replacement.

8. Antawn Jamison, Power Forward

Contract Situation: Unrestricted free agent after 2012.

Jamison obviously wouldn't be a long-term solution to a possible Garnett departure, but he's certainly still serviceable at this point in his career.

After making an exorbitant amount of money off of his current deal, Jamison will need to take a pay decrease, but that could actually work out in Boston's favor.

If the club chose to ink Jamison to a short-term deal, the Celtics could look to use available finances in a more creative way by helping to build depth on the bench behind the veteran power forward.

7. Elton Brand, Power Forward

Contract Status: Early termination option after 2011-12, unrestricted free agent if exercised.

Like Jamison, Brand's shelf life isn't limitless, and he wouldn't be anything more than a stop-gap solution at the position.

The former first overall pick has struggled since he was sidelined with a painful Achilles injury, but he has fought his way back in style, and looked solid last season when he averaged 15 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.

He's not the 20/10 guy that he once was with the Bulls and Clippers, but Brand does provide an intriguing option for the Celtics should the team decide to invest more money in another spot.

6. Gerald Wallace, Small Forward / Power Forward

Contract Status: Player option for 2011-12, unrestricted free agent if declined.

Wallace has played both small and power forward in his career along the front line, but with Paul Pierce in the fold and the team holding Jeff Green's rights, he likely wouldn't be needed there for Boston.

Instead, Wallace could be penciled in at the four spot. Although some might consider him a bit undersized for that position, Wallace's athleticism allows him to successfully contend with some bigger opponents.

He's got impressive skill, and Wallace's game isn't dependent on banging around down low. It would be a new look for the Celtics, but one that may work in the club's favor.

5. J.J. Hickson, Power Forward

Contract Status: Restricted free agent after 2012.

Hickson was shipped from Cleveland to Sacramento just before the official start of the lockout, but it's possible he may only be with the Kings for a short time.

The Kings have a surplus of big men along the front line, and although the team will get the chance to match any offer for Hickson, it's possible that he seeks a big-time contract that Sacramento won't dole out.

He looked incredible after the All-Star break last season, and his brightest years are definitely in front of him.

4. JaVale McGee, Center

Contract Status: Restricted free agent after 2012.

McGee is a player who needs to turn his potential into production sooner rather than later if he wants to cash in for a pay raise.

Putting the pedal to the metal, McGee exploded last season to establish new career highs in every category across the board except for free-throw shooting, and the only thing slowing him down at this point is his own determination.

His athleticism is off of the charts, and he could be exactly the type of player that could allow the Celtics to establish a dominant presence down low for years to come.

3. Roy Hibbert, Center

Contract Status: Restricted free agent after 2012.

It's going to be tough to coax Hibbert out of Indiana as a restricted free agent, so if the Celtics want to make this one happen, it's likely going to require an overpay.

Having said that, Hibbert has the potential to be a dominant center in a league that lacks them. At 7'2" and an absolute bruiser beneath the basket, Hibbert can really assert himself as a top dog in the middle if he continues in the evolution of his game.

He plays with the type of ferocity that folks in Boston would appreciate, but he's got to bring that on a more consistent basis if he wants to be rewarded with the big bucks.

2. Kevin Love, Power Forward

Contract Status: Restricted free agent after 2012.

David Kahn is going to match any and every contract offer that Love receives as a restricted free agent, so it's likely that this would have to be worked out in the form of a sign-and-trade.

It's unclear what the Celtics could offer in a potential deal at the moment, but there's no doubt that the team is going to be at least interested in acquiring Love's services.

He is running an absolute muck in Minnesota, and it'll be interesting to see what type of tune Love is singing when it comes time to make a decision about his future.

1. Dwight Howard, Center

Contract Status: Early termination option after 2012, unrestricted free agent if exercised.

Bringing Howard aboard would be the best case scenario for the Celtics, as the team is clearly prepping to have major cap space available in a loaded free agent class.

Howard's presence in the middle would not only give the C's a legitimate center of the future (and present), but he would also pair with Rondo to usher in a new era of basketball in Beantown for as the "Big Three" may not be in tact for too much longer.

Although it's far from a certainty that Howard lands in Boston, it's definitely a scenario that's on the table, and at this point, I wouldn't discredit any potential destination unless it's entirely unrealistic.