With the transfer of 100% ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, the focus is now on mending fences with a pivotal figure in the franchise's history: Kevin Garnett. Whether you're a die-hard fan or an NBA newcomer, the story of Garnett's strained relationship with the Timberwolves offers insights into the power dynamics between players and management.
As Shams Charania shared on The Pat McAfee Show, the new ownership duo seems committed to patching things up with Garnett. "They're going to work to rekindle that relationship with Kevin Garnett," he revealed.
And why shouldn't they? Garnett, affectionately dubbed the "Big Ticket," was a force of nature for the Timberwolves, yet his No. 21 jersey still waits to be retired.
The hold-up? Garnett's reluctance to see that honor bestowed while Glen Taylor, the former owner, was at the helm.
But with Lore and Rodriguez at the forefront, those long-awaited conversations might finally take place — conversations that could not only lead to his jersey gracefully hanging from the rafters of the Target Center but also potentially integrate Garnett into the organization in new ways.
The backstory here is layered and complex. Garnett had been promised a role within the organization post-retirement, an understanding that vanished following the untimely death of the beloved coach Flip Saunders. Trust was broken, and Garnett didn't hold back, famously stating, "I don't do business with snakes."
His relationship with the Timberwolves isn't just about fractures and failed promises. It’s also about a deeper legacy — one that includes honoring lost comrades.
When Garnett's No. 21 ascends to the heights of the Target Center, it will join the jersey of Malik Sealy, his dear friend whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 2000. Sealy’s No. 2 serves as a reminder of the personal bonds that transcend basketball.
Switching gears to the Lynx, we continue to see a celebration of excellence with a gallery of retired numbers: Lindsay Whalen’s No. 13, Rebekkah Brunson’s No.
32, Seimone Augustus’ No. 33, Sylvia Fowles’ No. 34, and Maya Moore’s No.
- These phenomenal players were the architects of a dynasty, leading the Lynx to a quartet of WNBA championships across 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017.
With these changes, the Timberwolves could be on the brink of mending old wounds and turning a page toward new beginnings, potentially reconnecting with one of the most iconic players in franchise history.
