Kevin Garnett Reunites with Timberwolves and Lynx in New Role, No. 21 Retirement on Horizon
The Big Ticket is officially back in Minnesota.
Kevin Garnett is returning to the Timberwolves and Lynx organizations in a wide-ranging role that will span business initiatives, community engagement, and content development. The move marks a major reunion between the franchise and its most iconic player, and it’s more than just symbolic - it’s a full-circle moment years in the making.
The Timberwolves confirmed the news on social media with a simple, powerful message: “THE BIG TICKET IS BACK.”
But that’s not all. Minnesota is also planning to retire Garnett’s No. 21 jersey within the next two seasons, a long-awaited honor that had been on hold due to a highly publicized falling out between Garnett and former team owner Glen Taylor. With new leadership now firmly in place, the door has finally reopened - and this time, it’s staying open.
A Legacy Rebuilt
Garnett, now 49, is as synonymous with Minnesota basketball as anyone who’s ever worn the jersey. Drafted fifth overall in 1995, he spent the first 12 seasons of his Hall of Fame career with the Timberwolves. His intensity, versatility, and raw passion helped elevate the franchise to new heights - none greater than the 2004 run to the Western Conference Finals, where Minnesota battled the Lakers in a hard-fought six-game series.
That same year, Garnett took home league MVP honors, a testament to the all-around dominance he brought every night. From his ability to defend all five positions to his mid-range jumper and vocal leadership, KG wasn’t just the face of the franchise - he was the franchise.
After being traded to Boston ahead of the 2007-08 season, Garnett joined forces with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen to form one of the most formidable Big Threes in NBA history. The result?
A championship in their very first year together and another trip to the Finals in 2010. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves wouldn’t return to the Western Conference Finals until 2024.
But Garnett’s connection to Minnesota was never just about wins and losses. It was personal - and that’s what made the rift with ownership so painful.
The Rift That Froze the Reunion
Garnett returned to the Timberwolves in 2014 for a brief second stint, playing his final 43 games in a Wolves uniform. But things took a turn after the passing of beloved head coach Flip Saunders in October 2015.
Garnett, who had a deep relationship with Saunders, took issue with how the team handled the tribute process. Compounding the hurt was a broken promise - Garnett believed Taylor had committed to bringing him into the organization in a post-playing role, a promise he felt was never honored.
The fallout was ugly and public. Garnett made it clear he had no interest in doing business with Taylor or having his jersey retired under the former owner’s watch.
“I love my Timberwolves… But I don’t do business with snakes,” Garnett said in a 2021 interview. It was raw, emotional, and emblematic of how deep the wounds had become.
A New Era, A New Chapter
That chapter is now officially closed. After a long and contentious ownership saga, Glen Taylor stepped away from the franchise earlier this year following an arbitration ruling.
The team is now under the control of Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, who originally entered into a $1.5 billion agreement to purchase the Timberwolves and Lynx in 2021. Despite some turbulence - including a near-collapse of the deal in 2024 - the transition is now complete.
With Taylor out of the picture, the path was finally clear for Garnett to come home.
And make no mistake - this isn’t just a ceremonial handshake or photo op. Garnett’s new role will put him at the intersection of the franchise’s business operations, community outreach, and content strategy. That’s a powerful combination for a player whose influence extends far beyond the court.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Garnett’s name is etched all over the Timberwolves’ record books. He’s still the franchise’s all-time leader in points (19,201), rebounds (10,718), assists (4,216), blocks (1,590), and steals (1,315) across 970 games.
Those numbers aren’t just impressive - they’re foundational. They represent the standard that every Wolves player since has been measured against.
Retiring his jersey isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s overdue.
What It Means Moving Forward
This reunion is about more than nostalgia. It’s about identity.
Garnett helped define what Timberwolves basketball could be at its peak - gritty, passionate, and unrelenting. Bringing him back into the fold signals a renewed commitment to that identity, especially at a time when the Wolves are once again relevant in the Western Conference.
Whether it’s mentoring players, shaping the franchise’s public voice, or helping steer its business and cultural direction, Garnett’s presence matters. He’s not just a former player - he’s a North Star for a franchise that’s spent too long trying to find its way.
Now, with a new ownership group and a new era underway, the Timberwolves are finally embracing their past to build a better future.
And with Kevin Garnett back in the building, the energy in Minnesota just got a whole lot louder.