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Garnett Returns to Target Center as Wolves Win Finale

PUBLISHED Apr 13, 2026, 12:19 AM ET

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Sources: 4

Left 25%

Center 75%

Sources: 4

Kevin Garnett made his first visit to Target Center in eight years on Sunday, entering the arena with Timberwolves co-owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez and drawing sustained cheers during the team’s regular-season finale. The Hall of Famer, the franchise leader in nearly every major statistical category, walked in after player introductions, patted his heart, embraced Anthony Edwards, took a courtside seat and formalized his role as a team ambassador under an agreement reached last year. Minnesota rested nine of its top 10 players as the Wolves, already locked into the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, beat the New Orleans Pelicans 132-126 in the finale; the Pelicans had been eliminated from playoff contention. Minnesota finished the regular season 49-33. With many regulars unavailable, Joe Ingles started and produced 15 points and 10 assists, while rookie Joan Beringer contributed 24 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks in the victory.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Garnett became a franchise icon during his playing tenure in Minnesota.
Garnett had a falling out with former owner Glen Taylor after his career ended.
Last year, Garnett and the Timberwolves reached an agreement naming him an ambassador.
This season Minnesota secured the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.
On Sunday’s regular-season finale, Garnett returned to Target Center as the Timberwolves beat the Pelicans 132-126 and the team announced a planned jersey retirement.

News Intelligence

Kevin Garnett's return to the Timberwolves is a big deal for fans. He's a franchise icon, and his new role as team ambassador could boost morale. If you're a basketball fan, this is a great time to show your support. Maybe even consider buying a Garnett jersey before they sell out.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 3

Who Benefited

Kevin Garnett, the Minnesota Timberwolves organization, and local fans benefited from reconciliation, ambassador designation, and planned jersey retirement, which formalize Garnett’s legacy and public role with the franchise.

Who Impacted

Former owner Glen Taylor experienced a documented falling out with Kevin Garnett after Garnett’s playing career, a separation noted in coverage of the reunion; no immediate organizational losses were reported in the articles.

Media Bias