Among the many players to change locations prior to the NBA’s trade deadline was Kevin Garnett, who returned to team that drafted him, the Timberwolves. The future Hall of Famer waived his no trade clause, but he will now end his career where it began in 1995.
The T-Wolves have a host of young talent like Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Anthony Bennett, and Shabazz Muhammad who Garnett can serve as a mentor to. One of them happens to have the locker Garnett used during his previous stint with the team. LaVine now uses his new teammate’s old space and was more than willing to surrender it. Garnett declined the offer.
“This is his locker and I’m actually kind of scared because I think he is going to say something about me being in his locker,” Zach LaVine said, according to The Pioneer Press.
“I did more than offer; I wanted him to take it,” LaVine said. “I wanted him to sit there. I said, ‘I’ll move!’ But it’s going to be great for me, I know that. Future Hall of Famer, man, everyone wants to get to his level. He was playing in this league before I was born!”
Garnett has gained a reputation around the league in recent years as something of an agitator. Just this season he has blow in David West’s ear and come close to biting Joakim Noah. That said, he’s a guy many young players, like LaVine, grew up watching. He’ll garner respect in the locker room and will be listened to when he speaks. Minnesota obviously felt that was worth giving up Thaddeus Young for.
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