Kevin Garnett is going home.
In a move few saw coming before Thursday, Garnett agreed to waive his no-trade clause and accept a trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nets will receive forward Thaddeus Young in return.
NBA on TNT’s David Aldridge was the first to report the deal, which was finalized shortly before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, and Garnett’s representatives confirmed it shortly after.
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The trade sets up what surely will be an emotional homecoming for Garnett, who spent his first 12 seasons in Minnesota and remains the greatest player in Timberwolves history. No T-Wolves player has worn Garnett’s No. 21 since he was traded to the Boston Celtics before the 2008 season.
Likely playing into the veteran big man’s decision was his relationship with Minnesota’s coaching staff, including head coach Flip Saunders and one of Garnett’s favorite ex-teammates, Sam Mitchell, who now works as a T-Wolves assistant.
Garnett is far from the player he was when he left Minnesota (he averaged just 6.8 points over 42 games with the Nets this season), but he’s still a capable rebounder and brings about as strong a veteran presence you’ll find to one of the NBA’s youngest rosters.
It remains to be seen whether this will be Garnett’s final NBA season or whether he’ll attempt to return for a 21st campaign in 2015-16.
UPDATE (4:19 p.m.): Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press cites a source saying the Timberwolves hope to sign Garnett to a two-year extension.
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Thumbnail photo via Ed Szczepanski/USA TODAY Sports Images
