Kevin Garnett Returns to Timberwolves After Years of Tension

The NBA legend's first home game appearance since 2018 marks a new chapter in his relationship with the franchise.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the abstract forms and movements of basketball players on a court, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape representing the energy and dynamism of the sport.The return of Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett to Target Center signals a new era of reconciliation and celebration for the franchise and its passionate fanbase.Minneapolis Today

After years of strained relations with the Minnesota Timberwolves under previous owner Glen Taylor, NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett has reconciled with the franchise. Garnett, who played 14 seasons with the Timberwolves and is considered the best player in team history, attended his first home game since 2018 on Sunday, receiving a rousing ovation from fans. The new ownership group led by Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez has helped pave the way for Garnett's return, with plans to retire his No. 21 jersey next season.

Why it matters

Garnett's return to the Timberwolves is a significant moment for the franchise and its fans, as it marks the healing of a long-standing rift between the team's greatest player and its previous ownership. The reconciliation could help the team reconnect with its history and engage its loyal fanbase as it looks to build a winning team under new leadership.

The details

Garnett's relationship with the Timberwolves had deteriorated after the team traded him to the Boston Celtics in 2007, where he won an NBA championship. Garnett had sought an ownership stake and management role with the Timberwolves after retiring in 2016, but says former owner Glen Taylor reneged on a spoken agreement. This led to a bitter feud, with Garnett refusing to have his jersey retired by the team. However, the sale of the Timberwolves to Lore and Rodriguez in 2021 paved the way for a reconciliation, and Garnett is now set to return to the franchise in an official capacity as a team ambassador.

  • Garnett last appeared at a Timberwolves home game in 2018.
  • The Timberwolves announced on March 2, 2026 that Garnett would be returning to the franchise.
  • Garnett attended the Timberwolves' season finale against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 13, 2026.

The players

Kevin Garnett

A Hall of Fame NBA player who spent 14 seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he is considered the best player in franchise history.

Glen Taylor

The former owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves, whose relationship with Garnett had deteriorated over the years.

Marc Lore

The leader of the new ownership group that purchased the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2021.

Alex Rodriguez

A member of the new ownership group that purchased the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2021.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.”

— Kevin Garnett

“I'll always have a special place for the city of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota in my heart. But I don't do business with snakes. I don't do business with snake motherf***ers. I try not to do business with openly snakes or people who are snake-like.”

— Kevin Garnett

What’s next

The Timberwolves plan to retire Garnett's No. 21 jersey in a ceremony next season, officially honoring the franchise's greatest player.

The takeaway

The reconciliation between Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves represents a new chapter for the team, as it looks to reconnect with its storied past and engage its loyal fanbase under new ownership. Garnett's return as a team ambassador and the upcoming jersey retirement ceremony will be an important moment for the franchise as it aims to build a winning team and restore its reputation.