Happy returns: 6 players who went home again

First, let's set the mood:

The song has become the official anthem for any player making some sort of significant return - and it has been playing on an endless loop following last week's trade that saw Kevin Garnett sent back to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with whom he began his Hall of Fame career.

Garnett, who last played with Minnesota in 2007, is far from the only marquee player to return to his old team following an extended absence. Here are six notable examples of superstars who found their way back to familiar confines:

Ken Griffey Jr., Seattle Mariners

Junior was an instant hit after the Mariners selected him first overall in 1987, swatting 398 home runs in 11 seasons in Seattle before being dealt to the Cincinnati Reds during the 2000 offseason. Griffey spent nine seasons away from the Pacific Northwest before returning in 2009; his second stint in Seattle was marred by allegations of napping in the clubhouse.

Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls

Pippen was sensational as Michael Jordan's running mate during an incredible stretch in which the Bulls won six NBA titles in an eight-year span. He later played for playoff-bound clubs in Houston (1998-99) and Portland (1999-2003) before returning to the Bulls for a 23-game stint in 2003-04; that team went 23-59, leaving Pippen out of the postseason for the only time in his career.

Pete Rose, Cincinnati Reds

Rose was the Reds' offensive lynch pin for most of the 1960s and 70s. "Charlie Hustle" led the league in hits six times while with Cincinnati, winning the NL MVP award in 1973. He returned in 1984 following an absence of five-plus years - and while his hitting stroke was no longer sharp as a 45-year-old, he did make history as the majors' last player-manager.

Doug Gilmour, Toronto Maple Leafs

Gilmour became one of the Leafs' most beloved players after coming over in a 10-player deal with Calgary in 1992. He led Toronto to consecutive conference finals appearances before being dealt to New Jersey in 1997. Gilmour was re-acquired in a 2003 trade with Montreal, but played just two shifts before tearing his ACL and subsequently retiring prior to the 2003-04 season.

Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers

Few players look stranger in other jerseys than Iverson, who not only starred for the 76ers - he was the 76ers. The temperamental guard won the MVP award in 2001, captured four scoring titles and led Philadelphia to an NBA Finals appearance. And while he only spent a little over three years away before returning in 2010, the reaction to his return was ... enthusiastic.

Rickey Henderson, Oakland Athletics

Nobody did a homecoming like Henderson, who left the A's and subsequently returned on three different occasions. It's hard to decide which was the more impressive feat - stealing 100 or more bases three times in a four-year span in his first go-around in Oakland, or leading the league with 66 swipes as a 39-year-old in his final stint with the A's. We're going with the latter.