The Timberwolves will retire Kevin Garnett‘s No. 21 jersey on February 28, 2027, after Minnesota hosts Boston, the team announced in a press release.
The Hall of Famer, whose No. 5 was retired by the Celtics in March 2022, had a frosty relationship with previous Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, but is on much better terms with new majority owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez.
Garnett was named a team ambassador in December, when the Wolves first announced that they planned to hang his No. 21 in the rafters of the Target Center at a future date. That date has now been confirmed for February 28, 2027.
According to the Wolves, Feb. 28 will “serve as the centerpiece of a season-long celebration” of Garnett, the greatest player in franchise history. KG will be only the second player to have his jersey retired by the team, joining former teammate Malik Sealey (No. 2), who tragically passed away in 2000.
“Minnesota is home. That’s never changed. This is where it all started for me, so seeing No. 21 go up in Target Center and sharing that moment with the fans, my family, teammates, coaches, and everyone who’s been part of this journey means everything,” said Garnett. “But I don’t see this as the end — I see it as a new beginning.
“Retiring the jersey is just the start of the next chapter in Minnesota, about building something that lives beyond the game. I’m excited to bring art, culture, and creativity back to this city in a real way — not just one night, but year-round. Through KG Certified, production, collectibles, and creative projects, I want to help build something fans can feel all year long, connecting the past, present, and future of this place.
“I also want to thank Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez for the energy, vision, and respect they’ve shown for the history while pushing things forward the right way. That matters. And I’m excited about this team. Watching Ant (Anthony Edwards), JMac (Jaden McDaniels), and the guys grow, and seeing this next wave of the league, there’s a lot to look forward to.
“*I’m still working, still building, still creating. KG Certified is growing, and I’ve got new ventures coming. But 21 being retired is forever — and it’s also just the beginning of something new. I can’t wait to be back in that building, feel that energy, and celebrate it with everybody. Let’s get it.*”
Minnesota selected Garnett with the fifth overall pick in the 1995 draft, and he proceeded to make 10 All-Star teams in a 12-year run with the organization from 1995-2007. The 6’11” forward/center also made eight All-NBA and eight All-Defensive teams with the Wolves, won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award during the 2003/04 campaign, finished second in MVP voting on two other occasions, and led the league in rebounds per game for four straight seasons from ’03-07.
Garnett, now 50, spent the final season-and-a-half of his illustrious career with the Wolves prior to retiring after the 2015/16 campaign. He was named Defensive Player of the Year in his first season with Boston (’07/08), which culminated in a championship.