It was announced today that Kevin Garnett will be back in Minnesota for at least one more season, reports Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN Twin Cities.
Quote from KG sent to me: "I'm incredibly excited and rejuvenated to be a part of this talented, committed team." #twolves
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 7, 2015
The franchise’s all-time leader in just about every statistical category announced today that he will return for season No. 21 in 2015-16, joining Robert Parish and Kevin Willis as the only NBA players to do so (Kareem quit at season 20).
Kevin Garnett will join Robert Parish and Kevin Willis as the only NBA players to play 21+ seasons. pic.twitter.com/EUdQTJXPPW
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 7, 2015
KG might even be back fro season No. 22 in 2016-17, if he plays out his deal.
ESPN sources say Kevin Garnett will be signing a two-year deal with Minnesota when leaguewide moratorium is lifted later this week
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 7, 2015
Of course, it’s probably crazy to expect that Garnett will return to a level that saw him make 15 all-star teams. Last season, he only averaged 6.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals in 20.3 minutes per games with the Brooklyn Nets and the Timberwolves after he was dealt at the deadline. Still, Minnesota has one of the youngest cores in the league with players like Andrew Wiggins, Ricky Rubio, No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns, and Zach LaVine. Having a veteran like Garnett who can lead and teach those guys is an invaluable asset. KG is also apparently involved in other aspects of the franchise.
Flip on w/ @ChrisMannixSI confirms that KG is part of the draft process. Will meet with in person and/or talk on the phone w/ guys. #twolves
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 8, 2015
There have already been talks of Garnett entering Minnesota’s front office whenever his playing days are done, and he might even pair with GM/coach Flip Saunders in an effort to purchase a slice of the team when he retires.
So, it appears that the Timberwolves are already finding small ways to groom him for that role. For now, Garnett will be tasked with teaching Wiggins, Towns and Co. in the hopes that they can one day bring the Timberwolves their first title that Garnett worked so hard to lead them to in his first eight seasons.
