![Newly acquired Brooklyn Nets players Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry hold up their new jerseys after a news conference to introduced them to the media [Photo: REUTERS/Adam Hunger] <br/>](https://d3sqoxgr2vjq10.cloudfront.net/data/images/full/4182/brooklyn-nets-kevin-garnett-paul-pierce.jpg "Newly acquired Brooklyn Nets players Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry hold up their new jerseys after a news conference to introduced them to the media [Photo: REUTERS/Adam Hunger]")
The Minnesota Timberwolves brought in Kevin Garnett as a solid veteran presence in the NBA team. With the entry of promising rookie Karl-Anthony Towns, the existence of the perceived Tim Duncan nemesis becomes, even more, valuable. Moreover, Garnett gives the Andrew Wiggins basketball squad the much-needed inspiration to strive for excellence.
However, the years of Garnett in the NBA might be counted. Sources claim that the former Boston Celtics star might retire soon. Although these reports seem logical given the age and time spent by Garnett in the hardwood court, it might not happen as early as people expect. Earlier this year, reports came out that the late Flip Saunders convinced the NBA veteran to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the middle of 2015, it was disclosed that Garnett signed a two-year contract with the Ricky Rubio team.
With the death of Saunders, though, there are speculations that Garnett might want to leave the basketball team. Although some say that the former Brooklyn Nets star has yet to comment on these trade rumors, sports analysts feel that it might be more prudent for the Minnesota Timberwolves to simply cash in on the NBA vet's contract.
Given the number of basketball squads in need of a reliable veteran presence, Garnett will be a valuable asset regarding adding to the team's budget. Moreover, the free agent market in 2016 and 2017 looks promising - with the inclusion of the likes of Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant, Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade.
In the meantime, Garnett is serving his purpose as a mentor for the younger members of the Minnesota Timberwolves roster. One of the most vocal players who consistently expresses his appreciation for the NBA veteran's guidance is Towns.
"I think we both looked at each other and saw competitors, and wanted to go play," said Towns of his first meeting with Garnett, according to NBA.com. The 2015 NBA first draft pick added, "You're talking about a born leader. You're talking about one of the smartest players in this game. His ability, which he's always had, to shoot the one-dribble, pull-up mid-range shot is amazing. His post game is tremendous. Very crafty. It's just an honor to be on the court with him and watch him work. He's like our father on the court and we want to make sure we don't disappoint him."
