Kevin Garnett Trade Deadline News: Center Back to Timberwolves for Thaddeus Young

NBA veteran Kevin Garnett is homeward bound to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Bleacher Report wrote that as the NBA trade deadline came closer, the center waived his no-trade clause to accept an offer from the Timberwolves for him to return. The Brooklyn Nets acquired Thaddeus Young in exchange. Reportedly, Garnett was acquired by Minnesota as a mentor and franchise ambassador.

Minnesota head coach Flip Saunders said about Garnett's re-acquisition on NBA.com, "We are excited to have Kevin Garnett back in Minnesota and playing for the Timberwolves... When people think of the Timberwolves, they think of KG. He had some great years for us and our organization and fans really respect what he's done here in Minnesota and throughout his NBA career. KG will bring his usual strong work ethic and leadership and be a positive influence for our young team."

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said in the same Bleacher Report, "It means a lot to me to have Kevin Garnett back on our team. I have great respect for Kevin as a person and a player. He was the first player we drafted after I bought the team and we got to see him develop into one of the best players in the world. Like our fans, I'm excited to be able to watch Kevin in a Timberwolves uniform once again."

ESPN reported that Garnett will arrive in Minnesota on February 21 to go through a physical assessment and will play with the team on February 25 against the Washington Wizards.

Bleacher Report also wrote that the 38-year-old is in the final season of his three-year contract valued at $36 million with the Boston Celtics. Although the no-trade clause was initially intended to guarantee that he would play in Boston before retiring, Garnett was involved in further trades. The Timberwolves reportedly intend to keep Garnett until the 2015-2016 NBA season, although as a free agent, according to Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press.

Garnett played his rookie year in Minnesota after he was picked by the team fifth overall in the 1995 NBA draft. He led the team to their only eight playoff appearances and was even awarded MVP when the Timberwolves reached the 2004 Western Conference finals. When he was traded to the Celtics in 2007, he won an NBA championship, together with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. The Timberwolves failed to enter the NBA playoffs in the past seven years since Garnett left.