Kevin Garnett is officially back with the Minnesota Timberwolves - and this time, it’s not just a ceremonial return. According to reports, the Hall of Famer is stepping into an “all-encompassing” role with the franchise, one that will see him involved in business operations, community outreach, fan engagement, and content development. It’s a full-circle moment for one of the most iconic players in Timberwolves history - and one that’s been a long time coming.
The Timberwolves also plan to retire Garnett’s No. 21 jersey within the next year or two, a move that’s been expected but delayed due to a complicated history between the former star and the franchise. Garnett spent the first 12 years of his career in Minnesota, racking up 10 All-Star appearances and an MVP award while becoming the face of the franchise. He returned briefly in 2015-16 before retiring, but his post-playing relationship with the team was anything but smooth.
For years, Garnett had a public and often bitter feud with then-owner Glen Taylor. The tension reportedly stemmed from a failed plan to bring Garnett into the organization in a leadership role after his retirement - a plan that fell apart following the death of Flip Saunders, the former Wolves head coach and president of basketball operations. Garnett believed Taylor backed out of an agreement they had in place, and he didn’t mince words about it, famously saying in 2020, “I don’t do business with snakes.”
That rift kept Garnett at arm’s length from the franchise for years, despite his clear affection for the city and its fans. But things began to shift when Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez entered the picture as minority owners with the intention of eventually taking over the team. From the start, Lore and Rodriguez made it clear they wanted to mend fences with Garnett - and retiring his jersey was high on their priority list.
Their opportunity came after a legal battle over control of the team ended with an arbitrator ruling in their favor. The NBA’s Board of Governors officially approved the sale of Glen Taylor’s remaining stake in June, giving Lore and Rodriguez the green light to take full control - and to bring Garnett back into the fold.
While Garnett’s exact title hasn’t been announced yet, early indications suggest he won’t be involved in basketball operations, which remain under the leadership of team president Tim Connelly. Instead, Garnett’s role appears to be focused on the broader ecosystem of the franchise - building bridges with the community, connecting with fans, and helping shape the team’s off-court identity.
It’s a significant move for a franchise looking to strengthen its culture and reconnect with its roots. Garnett isn’t just a former player - he’s the Timberwolves’ most iconic figure, the heartbeat of the franchise during its most competitive years. His return brings a sense of authenticity and pride that can’t be manufactured.
For Timberwolves fans, this is more than just a jersey retirement or a front-office appointment. It’s a long overdue reunion with a player who helped define an era in Minnesota basketball - and who, after years of estrangement, is finally home.