There should be no doubt that Kevin Garnett is the greatest Timberwolves player in franchise history.
Known for his intensity, versatility and incredible defense, Garnett is one of the greatest power forwards to ever play the game. The Big Ticket also is one of only five players to win both the Most Valuable Player and the Defensive Player of the Year awards.
During his NBA career, Garnett played for the Minnesota Timberwolves in two different stints, making it possible for him to end his career in 2016, where it all started in 1995. While he won his ring in Boston, his best years and his absolute peak was in Minnesota.
But the franchise’s most famous son, previously stated that he doesn’t want his jersey retired in Minnesota. This though is for one reason, and one reason only; former Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor.
Per The Athletic.
“Glen knows where I’m at, I’m not entertaining it. First of all, it’s not genuine. Two, he’s getting pressure from a lot of fans and, I guess, the community there. Glen and I had an understanding before Flip died, and when Flip died, that understanding went with Flip. For that, I won’t forgive Glen. I won’t forgive him for that. I thought he was a straight up person, straight up business man, and when Flip died, everything went with him.”
Back in 2015, when Garnett came back to finish his career in Minneapolis, he was about to join the team’s ownership group – something the late, great Flip Saunders arranged with Taylor for Garnett.
After Saunders passed away later that year, Taylor did not honor the plans he had with Saunders and Garnett, leaving the about to be Hall of Famer and Taylor in discordance.
Now that Taylor is on his way out and about to officially sell the team to baseball legend Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, there should not be a reason for Garnett to hold a grudge any longer.
Rodriguez and Lore at least are seemingly trying to fix what they didn’t break – the franchises’ relationship with KG. It even seems as Garnett could eventually take a role with the team.
Per Brian Windhorst, via ESPN:
“Garnett’s guidance is brought up often by [Karl-Anthony] Towns. And with the Wolves on the verge of finally being sold by longtime owner Glen Taylor to Marc Lore and partners including Alex Rodriguez, that influence might be drawing closer.
Assuming the transaction is finalized, there is a chance Garnett will take a role with the organization, sources told ESPN. He has been in a bitter dispute with Taylor and distant from the franchise in recent years.”
