During his prime, Garnett averaged more than 20 points, 10 rebounds and over a block and steal per game for nine consecutive seasons.
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In 2007, Garnett moved to the Boston Celtics after 12 years with the Timberwolves, forming the Big Three with superstars Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.
When the power forward returned to the Timberwolves in February of a year ago, it was reported by sources at ESPN that Garnett had re-joined the franchise with the intentions of owning the side following his retirement.
Garnett was named MVP following the 2003-2004 season.
“I’m just thankful, I can’t even put it into words”, Garnett, 40, said in a video posted to his Instagram account.
Garnett and the Wolves reached an agreement for him not to play the second year of his two-year, $16.5 million contract.
Garnett also made more than $330 million in his career, the most by any player in league history, and owners dug their heels in during a lengthy lockout in 1997 after a 21-year-old Garnett signed a six-year, $126 million deal.
LAKERS SIGN WORLD PEACE: The Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed veteran forward Metta World Peace, who will attempt to win a roster spot for his 17th National Basketball Association season. I wish him continued success in the next chapter of his life.
Garnett provided some of the NBA’s best moments over the last 21 years, including his exuberant “anything is possible!” after finally winning a championship as a member of the Boston Celtics in 2008. To me, that’s always most important.
After leaving the Celtics in 2013 he spent a couple uneventful seasons with the Brooklyn Nets where he became known more for picking fights than setting pick-and-rolls. I’m glad I can say I got to compete against you.
For a long time very few big guys had the skills, or the leeway I suppose, to have a versatile all-around game beyond functioning as a proverbial “back-to-the-basket” post player. “I’ll take it from here”.
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The Timberwolves hired Tom Thibodeau as coach and president in the offseason as well as a new general manager in Scott Layden. I’ve never met such a relentless competitor or such a great teammate. Changes in the front office likely closed the door to Garnett one day joining ownership.
