NBA Rumors: Will the Timberwolves’ Kevin Garnett be Forced to Retire?

Jul 18, 2016 11:46 AM EDT

It seems Kevin Garnett, the legendary center of the Minnesota Timberwolves might be forced to retire before the next NBA season begins. According to various reports, he is considering ending his professional career due to physical condition.

This year, the NBA community saw a couple of its iconic athletes step off the court for guard, such as Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. Now, however, it seems another legend will be joining them in their post-retirement life.

The 40-year-old Garnett, who first debuted in the NBA in 1995, has certainly become a pillar in the league. Despite his age, he has showed that he still have what it takes to keep up with the NBA's younger athletes.

However, even though he still wants to continue playing, there's a big chance that he won't be able to join the Timberwolves for next season due to his knees. According to sources close to the superstar, team owner Glen Taylor, Garnett is not sure if his knees will hold up next season.

"I asked him, 'Kevin, what are you going to do?'" Taylor said according to NBA.com. "His answer was, 'I'd really like to play next year 'cuz I'd like to go out knowing we got into the playoffs.'"

"Then he said, 'I don't know if I can,'" he continued. "I asked him, 'What does that mean?' And he said, 'I don't know.' So I asked the question but I didn't get an answer that helped me. Yes, theoretically, he'd like to play. But he has some doubts of his knees holding up. I believe he told me exactly the truth."

Garnett's close friend, Reggie Miller, can only speculate as to what will happen to the NBA superstar in the near future. According to the former Indiana Pacers guard, even though Garnett is mentally prepared to take on next season, another important factor that will affect his playing capability is his physical condition.

"He's a little torn, I think," Miller said. "It's the age-old question of mind over matter. I'm sure his mind is telling him he's able to play. But can his body follow?"