A new era in Minnesota basketball is officially underway, and it could signal the healing of old wounds with the franchise's most iconic player.
New owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez expressed the desire to mend fences with former MVP and champion Kevin Garnett.
“He’s the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All-Time) in Minnesota, and we have tremendous respect for KG and everything he’s accomplished. We would love to get closer to him. We know the fans want to see that, and we want to see that too,” Lore told reporters in his first press conference with co-owner Rodriguez since taking over as controlling owners of the Wolves and Lynx.
Rodriguez, a 2009 World Series champion with the New York Yankees, echoed Lore’s sentiment.
“Anything that’s important to our fanbase is going to be important to us. Obviously, he means a great deal to our fanbase. Marc and I are going to be working on that,” the 14-time MLB All-star added.
excited for the future.
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) July 12, 2025
Garnett, the Timberwolves’ all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, and nearly every other major statistical category, has been estranged from the team since his retirement in 2016.
His public fallout with former owner Glen Taylor was particularly painful, culminating in 2020 when Garnett famously declared he would not allow his jersey to be retired in Minnesota because he “doesn't do business with snakes.”
But with Taylor no longer in control, Lore and Rodriguez have taken the helm of the franchise that brings renewed hope for reconciliation.
However, despite the optimistic outlook from the new ownership, it remains unclear how quickly the bridge between Garnett and the franchise can be rebuilt.
Lore and Rodriguez assumed control of the Timberwolves and Lynx in June, following unanimous approval from the NBA Board of Governors for their $1.5 billion purchase.
[ALSO READ: Marc Lore, A-Rod usher new era in Minnesota as NBA approves Timberwolves, Lynx sale]
This acquisition came as part of a broader shift in sports ownership, with private equity mogul Bill Chisholm agreeing earlier this year to purchase the Boston Celtics for a record $6.1 billion.
[ALSO READ: Bill Chisholm takes over Celtics ownership after record $6.1 billion purchase--reports]
In another major deal, businessman Mark Walter, who owns the Los Angeles Dodgers, agreed to purchase the controlling stake of the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that values the Lakers at a record-breaking $10 billion.
[ALSO READ: Buss family to sell Lakers majority stake to TWG Global's Mark Walter for $10B—reports]
In comparison to these soaring numbers, Rodriguez and Lore certainly got a bargain for the Timberwolves.
“This is not a hobby. This is the most important thing in my life, outside of my family and close ones. There’s nothing that even comes close to it,” Rodriguez insisted.
