Kevin Garnett is getting his flowers - again. This time, it’s from the franchise where it all began.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to retire Garnett’s iconic No. 21 jersey, according to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania. It’ll be the second number retirement of Garnett’s Hall of Fame career, following the Boston Celtics raising his No. 5 to the rafters back in 2022. But this one hits a little different - not just because of the history, but because of the healing it represents.
Garnett is also reuniting with the Timberwolves in a much bigger way. He’s taking on what’s being described as an “all-encompassing role” with the organization - one that spans business, community engagement, fan outreach, and content development. In other words, KG’s not just back - he’s becoming part of the Wolves’ DNA again.
And that’s fitting, because for a long time, Garnett was the Timberwolves.
Before Boston, before the championship, before the Defensive Player of the Year nod - it all started in Minnesota. Garnett spent 14 seasons with the Wolves, making 10 All-Star appearances and winning league MVP in 2003-04.
His fingerprints are all over the franchise record books: most games played, most points, most rebounds, most assists, most steals, most blocks. You name it, he did it.
He was the franchise.
Then came the trade in 2007 that sent him to Boston, where he joined forces with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen to deliver Banner 17 to the Celtics faithful. That title run cemented his legacy, but it also marked the end of his time in Minnesota - a breakup that lingered far longer than it should have.
For years, Garnett kept his distance from the Timberwolves after a very public falling out with then-owner Glen Taylor. Things got so sour that KG called Taylor a “snake” in 2020 and made it clear he wanted no part of a jersey retirement under the old regime. That tension kept a reconciliation off the table - until now.
According to the report, Garnett has rebuilt a relationship with the team’s new ownership group, led by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore. The NBA Board of Governors approved the sale of the Timberwolves and Lynx to the duo earlier this year, and it appears that fresh leadership opened the door for Garnett’s return.
The jersey retirement is expected to happen sometime over the next two seasons, giving the Wolves and their fans a chance to properly honor the player who helped put the franchise on the map. And for Garnett, it’s a full-circle moment - not just a celebration, but a homecoming.
So yes, KG’s number is going up. But more importantly, the bridge is being rebuilt. And that might be the biggest win of all.