The Boston Celtics, a franchise steeped in tradition and championship glory, have retired an astonishing 24 uniform numbers, each one a tribute to the legends who have donned the iconic green jersey. From Bill Russell to Larry Bird, the Celtics have always honored their greats with the ultimate reverence—raising their numbers to the hallowed rafters of TD Garden. The most recent player to receive this honor was none other than Kevin Garnett, whose No. 5 was immortalized in 2022, a fitting tribute to his relentless passion and pivotal role in Boston’s 2008 championship run.
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But in a rare and remarkable twist in NBA history, Garnett is set to receive an honor that few players ever achieve: having his jersey retired by two different franchises. According to a recent report by Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team that drafted Garnett out of high school in 1995, will retire his No. 21 during the 2025-26 season. This move, long overdue, places Garnett among an elite group of NBA icons, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
It’s surprising—perhaps even shocking—that the Timberwolves haven’t already retired Garnett’s No. 21. After all, no player has done more to elevate the franchise’s profile since its inception in 1989. Drafted straight out of high school as the fifth overall pick, Garnett became the face of the Timberwolves, transforming a fledgling team into a perennial playoff contender. From 1996 to 2004, he led Minnesota to eight consecutive postseason appearances, a feat that included a thrilling run to the Western Conference Finals in 2004. That same year, Garnett was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, averaging an impressive 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
Over his 12 seasons with Minnesota, Garnett played in 970 games, posting career averages of 19.8 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. His intensity, versatility, and relentless work ethic made him a fan favorite and put the Timberwolves on the map as a legitimate force in the Western Conference. Yet, despite his monumental contributions, Minnesota has been slow to honor its greatest player. The franchise has only retired two other numbers in its history: No. 2 for the late Malik Sealy and a “FLIP” banner for beloved head coach Flip Saunders in 2018.
The Timberwolves’ hesitance to retire Garnett’s jersey sooner may stem from their conservative approach to such honors. Unlike the Celtics, who have a storied tradition of celebrating their legends, Minnesota has rarely held jersey retirement ceremonies. Additionally, Garnett’s departure from the Timberwolves in 2007, when he was traded to Boston, was not without tension. His return to Minnesota for a brief stint in 2015-16 helped mend some fences, but it’s taken nearly two decades for the franchise to fully recognize his transformative impact.
As the saying goes, better late than never. The 2025-26 season is the perfect time for the Timberwolves to right this wrong, especially as they plan to bring back their iconic throwback uniforms—a nod to the era when Garnett ruled the court in Minnesota. The ceremony will not only honor KG’s legacy but also serve as a celebration of the franchise’s history and its passionate fanbase.
Having a jersey retired by two franchises is an exceedingly rare honor in the NBA, reserved for players whose impact transcends teams and eras. Legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Pete Maravich, and Shaquille O’Neal have achieved this feat, and now Kevin Garnett joins their ranks. His No. 21 will hang in the rafters of the Target Center alongside his No. 5 in Boston’s TD Garden, a testament to his extraordinary career and undeniable influence on both franchises.
Garnett’s journey from a raw, high-school prospect to an NBA MVP and champion embodies the grit, heart, and determination that define basketball greatness. His contributions to the Timberwolves laid the foundation for the franchise’s identity, while his time with the Celtics solidified his status as a champion and a leader. This dual recognition underscores what fans have known for years: Kevin Garnett is one of one.