Back in 2004, Kevin Garnett led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals, their deepest playoff run in history. He was the heart, soul, and spark of a franchise that rarely made headlines. Two decades later, despite his legacy being etched into NBA lore, Garnett’s jersey still doesn’t hang in the rafters of the Target Center. The reason, surprisingly, isn’t performance but principle. With Alex Rodriguez stepping into an ownership role, some fans hoped the cold war might thaw. But KG isn’t one to forget betrayal
Glen Taylor, who originally bought the Timberwolves for $88 million in 1994, has finalized the deal for $1.5 billion, awaiting approval from the NBA. The Minnesota Timberwolves are all set for a change. It seems that another change involving a former NBA player is being expected. However, the retired NBA player was quick to dash those hopes.
Fans anticipate that Rodriguez’s ownership could finally lead to the long-awaited retirement of Kevin Garnett’s jersey. The Boston Celtics have already retired his No. 5 jersey. Echoing these sentiments, Brian Windhorst and Shams Charania, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, hinted at this possibility. He also expects that the front office might be looking to welcome the legendary player into a role that could benefit the team.
Paul Pierce, a close friend of Garnett, expressed enthusiasm and urged him to join the team, contributing to its growth. The team has taken massive strides in the past few years with Anthony Edwards and its elite roster. While Garnett expressed that he would be happy to accept a role, it might not happen.
Mar 13, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Former Boston Celtic Kevin Garnett reacts to Boston Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown (7) dunk (not pictured) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
“I don’t know. I ain’t in that space. I’m doing something else right now. I got another takeover that I’m locked in that I don’t know if I can even devote my time to something like the NBA. I’m saying the NBA is an everyday thing, and they need you every day. I don’t have time to be an everyday thing,” Garnett said.
The change in ownership has reignited discussions about retiring Garnett’s Timberwolves jersey. Previously, Garnett appeared reluctant to have his jersey retired under Taylor’s ownership.
His past reluctance stemmed from a well-documented bitter feud with Taylor. It likely began when Garnett’s plans to secure a deal with Taylor didn’t work out.
What happened between Kevin Garnett and Glen Taylor?
Garnett’s frustration with the Timberwolves’ management began in the mid-2000s. Despite his exceptional performance, the team struggled to build a competitive roster around him. This culminated in his trade to the Boston Celtics in 2007. Reports suggest that Taylor accused Garnett of underperforming prior to the trade.
In 2015, Garnett returned to the Timberwolves, facilitated by then-head coach and president Flip Saunders. Saunders promised Garnett a transition into a significant front-office position post-retirement.
Tragically, Flip Saunders passed away in October 2015 due to Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Following his death, the anticipated plans for Garnett’s involvement in the team’s management did not materialize. Taylor appointed Tom Thibodeau as head coach and president, sidelining Garnett from the leadership role. Feeling betrayed, Garnett publicly criticized Taylor, stating, “Glen and I had an understanding before Flip died, and when Flip died, that understanding went with Flip.”
May 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves majority owner Glen Taylor looks on in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game two of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The strain has only intensified with Garnett labeling Taylor as a “snake” and expressing his unwillingness to have his jersey retired by the Timberwolves under Taylor’s ownership. He emphasized, “I don’t do business with snakes.” As of now, despite his profound impact on the franchise, Garnett’s jersey remains unretired.
But with the new change of hands, fans and basketball stars alike believe this can be the right time for Garnett to receive his long-overue honor.
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