The Minnesota Timberwolves have announced that Kevin Garnett's No. 21 jersey will be retired on February 28, 2027, following the team's home game against the Boston Celtics at Target Center. This is a significant moment for the franchise, as Garnett is the defining player in Timberwolves history.
What happened?
Garnett's No. 21 jersey will be the second number to be retired by the Timberwolves, following Malik Sealy's No. 2 jersey. The ceremony will take place on February 28, 2027, after the team's home game against the Boston Celtics. This is a fitting opponent for Garnett's night, as he spent 12 seasons with the Timberwolves before being traded to the Celtics in 2007.
Why it matters for Minnesota Timberwolves
Garnett's retirement is a significant moment for the franchise, as he is the franchise leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. He was a 15-time All-Star and earned nine All-NBA and 12 All-Defensive selections during his career. Garnett's peak came in 2003-04, when he won the NBA MVP award and led the Timberwolves to their first Western Conference Finals appearance.
What comes next?
The Timberwolves have announced four additional "KG Theme Nights" built around important moments from Garnett's career. These nights will take place on December 16, January 29, March 14, and April 10, and will feature games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Chicago Bulls, respectively. These events will celebrate Garnett's legacy and provide fans with a chance to relive some of the most memorable moments from his career.
The organization is making Garnett's retirement more than a one-night event. The Timberwolves have brought Garnett back into the franchise as a team ambassador in December 2025, formally repairing a relationship that had been strained for years after his playing career ended. This context makes the retirement more meaningful than the usual ceremonial honor.
Garnett is the franchise leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, among numerous other categories. His peak came in 2003-04, when he won the NBA MVP award and led the Timberwolves to their first Western Conference Finals appearance. He was a 15-time All-Star over his full NBA career and earned nine All-NBA and 12 All-Defensive selections.
Last result: Minnesota Timberwolves 109-139 San Antonio Spurs (2026-05-16). Recent form (last 5): 1W-0D-4L (LLLLW, most recent first); lost the last 4.
The Timberwolves' 2026-27 plans will finally close the gap between the team's recognition of Garnett's achievements and the Celtics' earlier retirement of his No. 5 jersey in 2022. The organization is making Garnett's retirement more than a one-night event, with four additional "KG Theme Nights" built around important moments from his career.
