Timberwolves to Retire Kevin Garnett's Jersey Next Season

The Timberwolves will honor the Hall of Famer by raising his No. 21 to the rafters in 2026-27.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:10pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting featuring the number 21 prominently as the central visual element, surrounded by sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes that abstractly represent a basketball game or match.A geometric, cubist-inspired illustration celebrating the retirement of Kevin Garnett's iconic jersey number with the Minnesota Timberwolves.New Orleans Today

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced that they will retire Kevin Garnett's No. 21 jersey during the 2026-27 season. Garnett, who was drafted by the Timberwolves directly out of high school in 1995, is the franchise's all-time leader in several statistical categories and led the team to eight straight playoff appearances from 1996-97 to 2003-04. After a frosty relationship with the team for nearly a decade, Garnett is returning as a team ambassador under new owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez.

Why it matters

Retiring Garnett's jersey is a significant move that honors the legacy of one of the greatest players in Timberwolves history. Garnett's reunion with the organization and the team's plans to celebrate his contributions are seen as a positive step in mending the relationship between the franchise and the Hall of Famer.

The details

Garnett will make his first appearance at Target Center in eight years on April 12 as part of fan appreciation night for the regular-season finale against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Timberwolves will then officially retire his No. 21 jersey at some point during the 2026-27 season. Garnett was drafted by Minnesota with the 5th overall pick in 1995 and went on to become the franchise's all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and games played.

  • Garnett will make his first appearance at Target Center in eight years on April 12, 2026.
  • The Timberwolves will retire Garnett's No. 21 jersey at some point during the 2026-27 season.

The players

Kevin Garnett

A Hall of Fame forward who was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves directly out of high school in 1995 and is the franchise's all-time leader in several statistical categories.

Marc Lore

One of the new owners of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who is working to mend the relationship between the franchise and Garnett.

Alex Rodriguez

One of the new owners of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who is working to mend the relationship between the franchise and Garnett.

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What they’re saying

“I can't wait to come home. Coming back for me is about what's next. I've spent time with Marc and Alex, and you can feel the difference. The energy is real. The vision is real. They're building something that lasts, with a team on the court that's hungry to win. I'm excited to be back in the building with the fans. Minnesota, let's go!”

— Kevin Garnett

“Kevin Garnett has always represented the heart and intensity of this franchise. The energy he generates is unmistakable, and welcoming him home to Target Center is a moment our fans have been eagerly anticipating.”

— Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, Timberwolves Owners

What’s next

The Timberwolves will officially retire Garnett's No. 21 jersey at some point during the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Retiring Kevin Garnett's jersey is a symbolic gesture that mends the relationship between the Timberwolves franchise and one of the greatest players in team history. Garnett's return as a team ambassador under new ownership signals a new era for the organization and its commitment to honoring its past while building towards the future.