Imago
Carlos Gonzalez Minnesota Star Tribune
Imago
Carlos Gonzalez Minnesota Star Tribune
It took 8 years for franchise legend Kevin Garnett to come home. The Target Center had been waiting to see its prodigal son return, as previous ownership issues had left deep wounds. Not just the fans and new ownership, but even Minnesota Timberwolves cornerstone Anthony Edwards was happy about KG’s presence. He was so elated that it even caused a game delay.
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“With the fifth pick in the 1995 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select Kevin Garnett,” the voiceover echoed, along with the background score of ‘Ta Vẫn Yêu Người’, which is primarily a romantic Vietnamese ballad, but it is also used as a “thank you” or a declaration of support for athletes. This was right before the tip-off against the New Orleans Pelicans, and the crowd never sat down. In fact, the 2004 NBA MVP even unknowingly caused a stoppage in play.
“Those are two hyper competitors, and we got to stop play, because ANT and KG was in on the court area,” the announcer said with a chuckle. Edwards was not dressed to play. He was on the bench, and when he saw Garnett sitting across from him, Ant-Man went straight to meet the franchise legend. They exchanged pleasantries and hugged, but they forgot for a few seconds that they were by the baseline. Thus, a stoppage was initiated. But the crowd didn’t care as they got a glimpse of arguably two of their greatest stars together.
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Kevin Garnett returns to Target Center, receives a tribute video from the Timberwolves
Arriving for the final Timberwolves’ final game.
He also hugs with Anthony Edwards, causing a delay of game 😀
Also on Youtube:https://t.co/HNQuwSSXsm pic.twitter.com/V7qGuihiLN
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 13, 2026
This marked a new chapter in Kevin Garnett’s relationship with the franchise. Over the years, KG had stated that he had an informal agreement with then-owner Glen Taylor and the late Flip Saunders, who served as both GM and head coach. After his second stint with the franchise and subsequent retirement in 2016, Garnett was supposed to take a front-office role. But Saunders’ untimely passing in October 2015 due to Hodgkin’s lymphoma changed everything.
Garnett claimed Taylor reneged on the offer, leaving a bitter taste for the franchise legend. He publicly called out Taylor, saying, “I won’t forgive Glen for that,” and even went as far as calling him a “snake.” Amid this, the Big Ticket even refused to have his jersey #21 retired by the team. But things have changed under the new ownership of Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, as the Wolves legend was back for Fan Appreciation Night as the new Team Ambassador.
New ownership also means newfound respect for KG. Next season, the Timberwolves will retire his number 21 jersey at Target Center, and the date will be announced soon.
Kevin Garnett is ready to bury the Timberwolves feud
It took four years for the unanimous approval of the $1.5 billion takeover by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore. While the process was still underway, Kevin Garnett hoped it would be completed soon. In May 2024, he gave his support to the new owners. “I f— with A-Rod and them, man. What they’ve built in Minnesota, the energy, and this team taking on [Anthony Edwards’s] personality bro, A-Rod and Marc built that s—, man.”
This clarity in backing Rodriguez and Lore was even evident in last week’s press release. “I can’t wait to come home,” Garnett said. “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!”
The excitement was visible among the fans as well. He was waiting in the tunnel, and then he entered to a rousing applause. It was a perfect reception for the franchise legend, who made his first home game appearance since 2018.
Written by
Edited by
Daniel D'Cruz