Kevin Garnett training, will return to Brooklyn Nets

Multiple sources report that Kevin Garnett will return to the Brooklyn Nets next year.  Garnett is under contract for the 2014-15 season. He will be paid $12 million on the last year of a deal signed while he was playing in Boston. His return, say sources, is not dependent on Paul Pierce's decision to take the MLE in Washington.

I'm told KG's decision was never dependent on Pierce's final destination and he has remained in contact with the #nets.

— Alex Raskin (@alexraskinNYC) July 13, 2014

Chris Broussard in fact says KG wants back despite the Nets decision to pass on Pierce.

Despite loss of P Pierce, I'm told KGarnett likes direction of Nets and is "excited" about joining them for the upcoming season

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 13, 2014

Pierce and Garnett have been teammates since the 2007-08 season, starting the Celtics then joining Brooklyn last season.

On Friday, Lionel Hollins told NBA TV that he had not heard from KG and added a bit of intrigue when he used the phrases, "if he decides to come back and play" and "if he returns." There's been speculation the last couple of years that Garnett, about to enter his 20th NBA season, might decide to retire.  A league source, however, noted that $12 million is "a lot of money to leave on the table."

Billy King has said said Garnett started his off-season routine earlier this year than last.  Garnett's return will give the Nets frontcourt rotation a boost. A healthy Brook Lopez, along with Mason Plumlee, Andrei Kirilenko and Mirza Teletovic can all play up front. Cory Jefferson, the Nets pick at No. 60 in this year's draft, also looked good in the summer league. No word yet if he's been invited to camp.

• Kevin Garnett still 'excited' to play for Brooklyn Nets despite Paul Pierce departure - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
• Will Garnett play in 2014-15? - Joe Kaiser - ESPN
  
• Pierce Bolts Nets for the Wizards, but Garnett Remains - Alex Raskin - Wall Street Journal