Timberwolves to retire Kevin Garnett's No. 21 jersey on Feb. 28

Minneapolis/St. Paul — The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced that franchise legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett’s iconic No. 21 jersey will be retired on Feb. 28, 2027, following the team’s game against the Boston Celtics on NBC’s Sunday Night Basketball at Target Center.

THE DATE IS SET. pic.twitter.com/wvmXvSCKem

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) August 14, 2026

The celebration will mark a monumental moment in Timberwolves history, as Garnett becomes just the second player in franchise history to have his number retired, joining former teammate Malik Sealy, whose No. 2 was retired following his tragic passing in 2000.

The jersey retirement will serve as the centerpiece of a season-long celebration honoring Garnett’s extraordinary impact on the Timberwolves, the state of Minnesota and an entire generation of basketball fans. The celebration will also serve as a signature moment in the organization’s new partnership with Garnett, who returned to the Timberwolves in December 2025 as Team Ambassador, reuniting the franchise with the player who forever changed the trajectory of basketball in Minnesota.

“Minnesota is home. That’s never changed. This is where it all started for me, so seeing No. 21 go up in Target Center and sharing that moment with the fans, my family, teammates, coaches, and everyone who’s been part of this journey means everything,” said Garnett. “But I don’t see this as the end — I see it as a new beginning. Retiring the jersey is just the start of the next chapter in Minnesota, about building something that lives beyond the game. I’m excited to bring art, culture, and creativity back to this city in a real way — not just one night, but year-round. Through KG Certified, production, collectibles, and creative projects, I want to help build something fans can feel all year long, connecting the past, present, and future of this place. I also want to thank Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez for the energy, vision, and respect they’ve shown for the history while pushing things forward the right way. That matters. And I’m excited about this team. Watching Ant, JMac, and the guys grow, and seeing this next wave of the league, there’s a lot to look forward to. I’m still working, still building, still creating. KG Certified is growing, and I’ve got new ventures coming. But 21 being retired is forever — and it’s also just the beginning of something new. I can’t wait to be back in that building, feel that energy, and celebrate it with everybody. Let’s get it.”

“Over the course of his career, Kevin Garnett became much more than the greatest player in Timberwolves history. He became the embodiment of what it means to compete, to lead and to represent Minnesota,” said Timberwolves & Lynx Co-Chairmen Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez. “Bringing Kevin back to the organization as Team Ambassador has allowed us to celebrate his legacy in a new and meaningful way, and retiring No. 21 is the ultimate recognition of everything he has meant to this franchise and our fans. We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible moment with Kevin, his family, our fans and everyone who helped make his legacy possible.”

The 2026-27 season will build toward the Feb. 28 jersey retirement through special KG Theme Nights, each celebrating a defining moment from Garnett’s Timberwolves career. The celebrations will include exclusive memorabilia and limited-edition merchandise, giving fans throughout the season the opportunity to honor Garnett and relive some of the most unforgettable moments in franchise history.

Each KG Theme Night will feature a commemorative KG figurine giveaway, with an exclusive T-shirt planned for Jersey Retirement Night, along with additional limited-edition merchandise celebrating Garnett’s Timberwolves legacy.

KG Theme Nights

• Draft Night — Dec. 16 vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 8:30 p.m. on ESPN: A celebration of the night the Timberwolves selected Garnett with the fifth overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft, forever changing the course of the franchise.

• All-Star MVP Night — Jan. 29 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 8:30 p.m. on ESPN: A celebration of Garnett’s unforgettable performance in the 2003 NBA All-Star Game, when he tallied 37 points, nine rebounds, three assists and five steals to earn All-Star Game MVP honors.

• Jersey Retirement Night — Feb. 28 vs. Boston Celtics: The defining moment of the season-long celebration as the Timberwolves officially retire Garnett’s No. 21 jersey and raise it to the rafters at Target Center.

• NBA MVP Night — March 14 vs. Washington Wizards, 7:00 p.m.: A celebration of Garnett’s remarkable 2003-04 NBA MVP season, the first and only NBA MVP season in Timberwolves history.

• Western Conference Finals Night — March 28 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 6:30 p.m. on NBC: A celebration of Garnett’s iconic scorer’s table moment and the Timberwolves’ historic run to the Western Conference Finals during the 2003-04 season.

Additional details surrounding the jersey retirement ceremony, KG Theme Nights, exclusive merchandise and other season-long celebrations will be announced at a later date.

Selected by the Timberwolves with the fifth overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft, Garnett became the first player selected directly out of high school since 1975. Over the next 14 seasons in Minnesota, he transformed the franchise, establishing himself as one of the most dominant, versatile and influential players of his generation.

Garnett was named the NBA Most Valuable Player following the 2003-04 season, leading the Timberwolves to their first division championship and the most successful season in franchise history at the time, including the organization’s first appearance in the Western Conference Finals. He earned nine All-NBA Team selections, 12 All-Defensive Team selections and was selected to 15 NBA All-Star Games.

Garnett retired as the Timberwolves’ all-time leader in numerous statistical categories, including wins (513), games played (970), minutes (36,189), points (19,201), field goals (7,647), free throws (3,743), rebounds (10,718), blocks (1,590), assists (4,216), steals (1,315), double-doubles (607) and triple-doubles (16).