Two NBA sources confirmed that Phoenix and Minnesota have already had cursory conversations about what it might take to make a deal happen.

So what are the chances? While you won't hear the "zero" probability rating Phoenix officials tossed around at the notion of Kobe Bryant becoming a Sun, the chances of Garnett coming to Arizona aren't realistically much better.

The prospect picked up some steam Thursday when ESPN.com reported Garnett told the Celtics he wasn't amiable to a trade to Boston, and he hoped a deal could be worked out with the Suns if he had to leave Minnesota.

While the T-Wolves aren't asking the Suns for the Grand Canyon, sources confirm they do want 24-year-old, All-NBA center Amare Stoudemire in any deal for the 31-year-old Garnett.

The Suns might be willing to part with Shawn Marion in a possible Garnett deal, but sources say the Timberwolves aren't interested. A three-way deal could be swung, but while the Celtics like Marion, sources say Marion — who will be looking for a contract extension as soon as this summer — doesn't want to go to Boston. Marion has an opt-out clause in his contract he can use after next season.

The other problem is money. Garnett, the NBA's highest-paid player last year, makes $22 million and $24 million in the final two years of his contract (he can also opt out after next season). Sources say he also has an additional $3.3 million trade kicker, which would be due next season, meaning he counts $25.3 million against the salary cap.

The Suns are already $8 million to $9 million over the NBA luxury tax with their current roster. Phoenix was expected to shop center Kurt Thomas (he would have an expiring contract if he exercises his $8.1 million player option for 2007-08) in an attempt to shave that figure down.

But any Garnett deal would likely require Thomas and draft picks in addition to either Marion ($16.44 million next year) or Stoudemire, who is due $13.26 million in the second year of a five-year deal he signed in 2005.