"The Celtics would be absorbing a big contract, but not nearly as big as Garnett's or (Jermaine) O'Neal's. They'd also avoid having to re-sign a pair of their kids, which would account for untold millions ... Once they make that trade, I would do what I could to turn the 25th pick into former Boston College center Sean Williams (by moving up via another trade). With him and Kirilenko on board, the Celtics could amp up their defense considerably and not lose a whole lot of offense. And with Kirilenko in the East, he could be an All-Star once again."

HE WROTE IT II: Sporting News senior writer Sean Deveney: "Kirilenko was a guy who looked to be on his way to perennial All-Star status. Swap him for (the Los Angeles Clippers' Corey) Maggette headache, and it just might work out for everyone."

HE WROTE IT III: Mitch Lawrence, in Sunday's New York Daily News: "When the Jazz's playoff run ended with its five-game flameout vs. San Antonio, Deron Williams unloaded on a few teammates ... (His) targets were Mehmet Okur, Andrei Kirilenko and Gordan Giricek. Of the three, the Jazz wants Giricek gone and is only interested in keeping Okur. Utah is probably stuck with Kirilenko and his maximum salary."

ALUMNI UPDATE: According to the Daily News' Lawrence, "the (Milwaukee) Bucks are willing to re-sign (ex-Jazz point guard Mo Williams), a free agent, at $7 million to $8 million per, but he's looking for a starting number of around $9 million to $10 million. If they can't reach a deal, they're open to moving Williams in a sign-and-trade."

Memphis might be interested in Williams if they don't take a point guard with their No. 4 overall draft choice Thursday.

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com