Report: Garnett to return to Boston

On the eve of free agency, the Celtics have dealt with their biggest off-season concern. According to CSNNE.com, big man Kevin Garnett will forgo retirement and re-sign with the C’s.

The two sides are close to an agreement, which is believed to be a three-year deal worth upwards of $30 million. If that’s the case, the 36-year-old will take a significant pay cut in 2012-13 after bringing in $21.2 million this past season.

“Boston was the only team Kevin seriously considered,” a source told CSNNE.com. “The team’s success, his relationship with Doc Rivers was a big, big part of his decision.”

Statistically, Garnett’s numbers were his best in three years this past season, as he averaged 15.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in 60 games. Leading the Celtics to within one game of the NBA Finals, he scored 19.2 points and brought down 10.3 rebounds per game in the postseason.

Garnett will begin his sixth season with Boston this fall — his 18th year in the league overall after spending his first 12 with the Timberwolves.