"The Big Ticket" Kevin Garnett confirmed reports that he was retiring from the NBA after 21 seasons with an Instagram video on Friday evening.
Related: NBA players react to Kevin Garnett's retirement
"It has been a real joy to watch KG come into the league as a young man and watch him develop his skills to become one of the very best in the NBA," owner Glen Taylor said in the team's official statement. "I have treasured the opportunity to see him grow as a leader. I wish him continued success in the next chapter of his life. His Minnesota fans will always cherish the memories he has provided."
Garnett, who played just 38 games last season due to myriad knee injuries, is on the Wolves' books for $8 million in 2016-17. The move will officially be a waiver, allowing Garnett to collect that amount in full, according to Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press.
The surefire Hall of Famer has played parts of 14 seasons in Minnesota, where he's averaged 19.8 points, 11 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks; been named an All-Star 10 times; made eight All-NBA teams and eight All-Defensive teams; and won the 2003-04 MVP. He is the franchise leader in just about every conceivable statistical category.
Garnett also ranks fifth in NBA history in games played, ninth in total rebounds, 17th in blocks, and 20th in points. He is the longest-tenured active player in the NBA.
Even as his body broke down and his playing time, mobility, and overall effectiveness nosedived, Garnett remained a valuable member of the Wolves last season. His pedestrian numbers (3.2 points, 3.9 rebounds) don't speak to the impact of his defense, which remained intelligent and versatile. The Wolves surrendered an incredible 12.4 fewer points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor. And that's to say nothing of his leadership and guidance to the green wolf pups.
Garnett waived a no-trade clause in 2015 in order to return and close out his career in Minnesota. There were rumblings that late Wolves president/coach Flip Saunders sold Garnett on a potential joint ownership stake in the franchise down the road, but Taylor recently said that with Saunders' tragic death, "I don't know where we stand on that."
