Wolves' Flip Saunders: Garnett wants to come back next year

He doesn't have a contract for next year, but Kevin Garnett wants to be back with the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 22nd NBA season.

Team president and coach Flip Saunders told Twin Cities radio station KFAN on Wednesday that Garnett plans to return.

When the Wolves re-acquired the franchise legend at the trade deadline, they surprised some with reports they intended to sign the 39-year-old to a two-year contract extension. While he played in only five games before sitting out the season's final 21 contests, it was clear the benefit of having him around was to mentor the team's promising youth.

Furthermore, Garnett's experience as a big man could come in even more handy after the Timberwolves select first in the NBA Draft on June 25 - they are expected to take either Jahlil Okafor or Karl-Anthony Towns.