Timberwolves to Retire Kevin Garnett’s No. 21 Following Feb. 28 Celtics Game

Minnesota will raise Kevin Garnett’s No. 21 to the rafters on Feb. 28, honoring the only player to lead an NBA franchise in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will officially retire Kevin Garnett’s No. 21 jersey on Feb. 28, immediately following a matchup against the Boston Celtics. This ceremony, announced by the team on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, marks the second time the 15-time All-Star has received such an honor. The Celtics previously retired his No. 5 jersey in March 2022. Garnett, the 2003-04 NBA MVP, remains the only player in league history to lead a single franchise in total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

Minnesota’s decision to honor the Hall of Famer follows a December announcement confirming his return to the organization as a team ambassador. Garnett had previously maintained a distance from the franchise since his 2016 retirement due to a conflict with former owner Glen Taylor. The resolution occurred after Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, who agreed to purchase the team in 2021, established a rapport with the veteran forward. Garnett made his initial return to Target Center in April during the final contest of the 2025-26 regular season.

Statistical Legacy and Franchise Impact

Garnett’s tenure in Minnesota was defined by eight consecutive playoff appearances from the 1996-97 season through 2003-04. During that final year, he led the squad to its first-ever playoff series victory, a feat the franchise did not repeat until their Western Conference finals run in 2024. As the only MVP winner in Timberwolves history, Garnett’s statistical dominance is unmatched within the organization. He will become only the second player to have his number retired by the team, joining Malik Sealy, whose No. 2 was raised following his death in a May 2000 car accident.

KG Theme Nights and Draft Celebration

The retirement ceremony is part of a broader season-long celebration featuring multiple "KG Theme Nights." The first of these events is scheduled for Dec. 16 during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, specifically honoring the night Garnett was drafted. This series of events aims to recognize his journey from his arrival as a rookie to his current role as a representative for the governors. Lore and Rodriguez described the No. 21 retirement as the ultimate recognition of his meaning to the fans and the franchise.

A New Chapter in Minnesota

In a statement regarding the upcoming ceremony, Garnett emphasized that Minnesota has always been home and described the event as a "new beginning" rather than an end. He expressed a desire to build a legacy that extends beyond his playing days. This reconciliation mirrors his jersey retirement in Boston, which served to end a long-standing rift between Garnett and Ray Allen. During that 2022 event, the two former teammates embraced, resolving tension that had existed since Allen signed with the Miami Heat as a free agent in 2012. Garnett now looks forward to sharing the Target Center rafters with his family, coaches, and teammates on the final day of February.