The Minnesota Timberwolves have finally put a date on one of the most anticipated ceremonies in franchise history.
Kevin Garnett’s No. 21 will be retired at Target Center on February 28, 2027, following Minnesota’s home game against the Boston Celtics. Timberwolves reporter Dane Moore had first pointed to that date, and the organization subsequently confirmed the ceremony.
The choice of opponent makes the night particularly fitting. Garnett built his legacy in Minnesota before joining Boston in 2007, where he won the 2008 NBA championship. The Celtics later retired his No. 5 jersey in 2022, meaning Garnett will eventually have his number hanging in the rafters for both of the franchises most closely associated with his Hall of Fame career.
I’ve heard February 28th for the Kevin Garnett jersey retirement at Target Center.
The Wolves play the Boston Celtics that night.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) August 13, 2026
For Minnesota, however, the ceremony carries an entirely different weight. Garnett was selected fifth overall by the Timberwolves in the 1995 NBA Draft and became the defining player in franchise history. He remains Minnesota’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and games played, while his 2003-04 season culminated in the NBA MVP award and the deepest playoff run of his Timberwolves career.
The tribute has also been years in the making. Garnett’s relationship with the organization became strained after his playing career, delaying a jersey retirement that many fans considered inevitable. That relationship began to change under owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, with Garnett returning to the organization in an ambassador role before the retirement plans were finalized.
When No. 21 finally rises above Target Center, Garnett will become only the second Timberwolves player to have his number retired, joining Malik Sealy’s No. 2.
And doing it with the Celtics in the building adds a nearly perfect final detail.
