Report: Celtics Icon Kevin Garnett Reunites With Another Former Team

Kevin Garnett will reportedly have a jersey number retired for the second time.

The Boston Celtics put Garnett’s No. 5 out of circulation in 2022, nearly a decade after the Hall of Famer wrapped up a six-season stint. Garnett will finally get recognized by his previous team.

Garnett will reunite with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, in an “all-encompassing role involving business, community and fan-engagement efforts and content development.” The franchise will retire his No. 21 over the next two seasons.

“The Big Ticket” spent the first 14 seasons of his career in Minnesota, making 10 of his 15 All-Star appearances and winning MVP in 2003-04. Garnett holds the franchise records in games played, points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.

That tenure ended when the Timberwolves traded their superstar to Boston in 2007. He promptly led the Celtics to a championship alongside Paul Pierce and Ray Allen after winning Defensive Player of the Year.

Garnett distanced himself from the Timberwolves after a falling out with ex-owner Glen Taylor. The former forward called Taylor a “snake” in 2020 and refused to have his number retired following a messy departure.

Charania said Garnett has “built a rapport” with new owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore to mend the relationship with his first NBA team. The NBA Board of Governors approved a sale of the Timberwolves and Lynx to the MLB legend and entrepreneur earlier this year.

Garnett, who was drafted out of high school in 1995 at age 19, averaged 19.8 points and 11.0 rebounds per game with the Timberwolves.