NBA Trade Deadline 2015: Kevin Garnett Traded Back to Timberwolves

Jan 21, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward

(2) reacts after missing a basket against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Nets won 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

It’s official!

More from Sporting Sota

• Minnesota Twins bullpen will be their downfall
• Top 5 Minnesota Twins Pitching Prospects
• Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
• Jake Odorizzi’s emergence fueling Twins starting staff
• Former Minnesota Twins player David Ortiz shot

According to all of Basketball Twitter, Kevin Garnett has agreed to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate his return to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

This means the end of the Thad Young “Era” in Minnesota. Young is universally touted as a great guy in the locker room so his presence was welcome even if his play was uneven at times.

This certainly is not the Kevin Garnett who was traded away to the Boston Celtics in 2007. He averaged 6.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season with the Brooklyn Nets. One thing that is still unclear is if he will retire after this season or come back for one more go-around with the Wolves next season. Only time will tell.

In the grand scheme of things I don’t think this will change much on the long-term outlook of the Timberwolves. There was a good chance that Young was going to be back with the Wolves next year but probably not beyond that. Garnett will be in the same boat, possibly back next year then freeing up cap space beyond that. It will be cool to see KG in the Wolves uniform a few more times though. He was my first and all-time favorite basketball player, originally arriving in Minnesota when I was 9 years old. The Wolves 2004 playoff run is one of my favorite sporting memories. Hopefully we can give him a proper send-off.

The deal was finalized right around the same time the team was at the facility for practice. It sounds like Ricky Rubio is ready to sponge up as much knowledge as possible from Garnett:

A crowd of media members have assembled awaiting Garnett’s arrival:

Garnett knows all about being The Franchise for the Timberwolves. He was the face of the Wolves from 1995 through 2007. That role is now on Andrew Wiggins shoulders. For Wiggins

So far, the full details of the trade have not been announced. Keep checking back for any updates and quotes that start coming through. He shared his reaction to the trade with the Pioneer Press:

Next: LaVine Owns the Dunk Contest