Sports
Kevin Garnett Returns to Minnesota in Deadline Deal
In this March 18, 2007, file photo, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kevin Garnett (21) goes to the hoop in the second quarter of their NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles. Garnett is coming back to the place it all began. A person with knowledge of the deal says the Minnesota Timberwolves are sending forward Thaddeus Young to the Brooklyn Nets for Garnett. The person spoke Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been officially announced. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas, File)
JON KRAWCZYNSKI, AP Basketball Writer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — For 12 years in Minnesota, Kevin Garnett gave the Timberwolves something they didn’t have before he arrived and haven’t had since he left — an identity.
Now the Old Wolf who put the franchise on the map is coming back to the place it all began. And it won’t be for just one final victory lap.
The Timberwolves sent forward Thaddeus Young to the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday for Garnett, the beloved icon who will be tasked with tutoring a young and impressionable nucleus in hopes of ending a playoff drought that will reach 11 straight years this season.
“Kevin doesn’t like change,” said Wolves president and coach Flip Saunders, who coached Garnett for 10 years in his first stint in Minnesota. “That’s how he’s always been. But I think when he looks back, he doesn’t think moving from Brooklyn to here as a big change. I think he looks at it from moving back and being home.”
As the deal started to take shape, some envisioned the 38-year-old Garnett coming back for a final two-month swan song before retiring this summer. But the Wolves hope to sign him to a new two-year deal when his contract expires, according a person with knowledge of the team’s thinking. The person requested anonymity because both sides have yet to discuss the parameters of a deal, and won’t until he becomes a free agent July 1.
That ensures the Wolves will have him on the court as a veteran mentor for a young roster that includes point guard Ricky Rubio, No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Shabazz Muhammad and Gorgui Dieng.
“I’m going to be here with my notebook and see whatever he does,” Rubio said. “I remember watching him with the Timberwolves and the Boston Celtics winning a championship, playing against him was something special. You could see players were afraid of him. That means he was tough, but he was a winner. No matter what a team needs to do, he did it.”
The Timberwolves and Nets had been discussing the possibility of bringing Garnett back to Minnesota for some time leading up to the trade deadline on Thursday, but he didn’t inform the two teams that he would waive his no-trade clause until about 30 minutes before the trade deadline.
Garnett was drafted straight out of high school in 1995 and spent his first 12 seasons in Minnesota. He guided the Timberwolves to the only eight playoff appearances in franchise history and won the MVP award while leading them to the Western Conference finals in 2004.
The Wolves traded Garnett to Boston in 2007 and the Celtics won a championship in his first season there. Garnett remained with Boston until he was dealt along with Celtics mainstay Paul Pierce to Brooklyn on the night of the 2013 draft.
Now he’s back, though Saunders said he will not make his debut until Wednesday night at home against Washington.
“When you think of the Timberwolves, you think of Kevin Garnett,” Wiggins said. “That’s the first thing that comes up.”
In Minnesota, he will be reunited with Saunders and assistant coach Sam Mitchell, one of Garnett’s favorite former teammates.
Pierce spent just a year in Brooklyn and now Garnett is gone too, with the Nets getting a solid replacement in Young, who has played much better as the season went on. Young is only 26 and in the prime of his career, which made the Wolves initially reluctant to part with him. But he has a player option on his contract for almost $10 million next season and was routinely undersized at power forward, so he likely did not figure into Minnesota’s long-term plans.
“Thanks @MNTimberwolves organization and fans for welcoming my family and I. We really appreciate you all,” Young tweeted. “Hello @BrooklynNets, can’t wait for the new opportunity ….. my family and I are very excited and ready.”
Garnett is no longer a force on offense, and has often sat out the second night of back-to-back games. But he remains a solid rebounder and defender, plus a highly regarded locker room leader who should make an impact on a young Timberwolves team. He is averaging just 6.8 points and 20.3 minutes per game for the Nets, who are languishing on the fringes of playoff contention in the lackluster Eastern Conference.
The Timberwolves have never made the postseason without Garnett prowling the paint. He may not be the player he was when he left in 2007, but the Wolves hope that when they return to the playoffs, Garnett will still have a major influence.
“Whatever he says, we’re going to do it,” Rubio said. “He’s going to have the voice in the locker room. We’re going to learn a lot from him. It’s great. Not just because he did great things over here. He’s been one of the greatest ever in this sport and I’m happy to be his teammate.”
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Alameda County
Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors
Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.
By Y’Anad Burrell
Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.
At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.
Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.
The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.
Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.
Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.
While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.
Barbara Lee
WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland
“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”
Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.
Special to The Post
The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.
The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.
“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”
In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.
About the Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.
This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.
Activism
McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell
William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.
By Ken Epstein
West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).
William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.
Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.
The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.
Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.
Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”
Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”
Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”
Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.
“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.
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Sports
Kevin Garnett Returns to Minnesota in Deadline Deal
In this March 18, 2007, file photo, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kevin Garnett (21) goes to the hoop in the second quarter of their NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles. Garnett is coming back to the place it all began. A person with knowledge of the deal says the Minnesota Timberwolves are sending forward Thaddeus Young to the Brooklyn Nets for Garnett. The person spoke Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been officially announced. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas, File)
JON KRAWCZYNSKI, AP Basketball Writer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — For 12 years in Minnesota, Kevin Garnett gave the Timberwolves something they didn’t have before he arrived and haven’t had since he left — an identity.
Now the Old Wolf who put the franchise on the map is coming back to the place it all began. And it won’t be for just one final victory lap.
The Timberwolves sent forward Thaddeus Young to the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday for Garnett, the beloved icon who will be tasked with tutoring a young and impressionable nucleus in hopes of ending a playoff drought that will reach 11 straight years this season.
“Kevin doesn’t like change,” said Wolves president and coach Flip Saunders, who coached Garnett for 10 years in his first stint in Minnesota. “That’s how he’s always been. But I think when he looks back, he doesn’t think moving from Brooklyn to here as a big change. I think he looks at it from moving back and being home.”
As the deal started to take shape, some envisioned the 38-year-old Garnett coming back for a final two-month swan song before retiring this summer. But the Wolves hope to sign him to a new two-year deal when his contract expires, according a person with knowledge of the team’s thinking. The person requested anonymity because both sides have yet to discuss the parameters of a deal, and won’t until he becomes a free agent July 1.
That ensures the Wolves will have him on the court as a veteran mentor for a young roster that includes point guard Ricky Rubio, No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Shabazz Muhammad and Gorgui Dieng.
“I’m going to be here with my notebook and see whatever he does,” Rubio said. “I remember watching him with the Timberwolves and the Boston Celtics winning a championship, playing against him was something special. You could see players were afraid of him. That means he was tough, but he was a winner. No matter what a team needs to do, he did it.”
The Timberwolves and Nets had been discussing the possibility of bringing Garnett back to Minnesota for some time leading up to the trade deadline on Thursday, but he didn’t inform the two teams that he would waive his no-trade clause until about 30 minutes before the trade deadline.
Garnett was drafted straight out of high school in 1995 and spent his first 12 seasons in Minnesota. He guided the Timberwolves to the only eight playoff appearances in franchise history and won the MVP award while leading them to the Western Conference finals in 2004.
The Wolves traded Garnett to Boston in 2007 and the Celtics won a championship in his first season there. Garnett remained with Boston until he was dealt along with Celtics mainstay Paul Pierce to Brooklyn on the night of the 2013 draft.
Now he’s back, though Saunders said he will not make his debut until Wednesday night at home against Washington.
“When you think of the Timberwolves, you think of Kevin Garnett,” Wiggins said. “That’s the first thing that comes up.”
In Minnesota, he will be reunited with Saunders and assistant coach Sam Mitchell, one of Garnett’s favorite former teammates.
Pierce spent just a year in Brooklyn and now Garnett is gone too, with the Nets getting a solid replacement in Young, who has played much better as the season went on. Young is only 26 and in the prime of his career, which made the Wolves initially reluctant to part with him. But he has a player option on his contract for almost $10 million next season and was routinely undersized at power forward, so he likely did not figure into Minnesota’s long-term plans.
“Thanks @MNTimberwolves organization and fans for welcoming my family and I. We really appreciate you all,” Young tweeted. “Hello @BrooklynNets, can’t wait for the new opportunity ….. my family and I are very excited and ready.”
Garnett is no longer a force on offense, and has often sat out the second night of back-to-back games. But he remains a solid rebounder and defender, plus a highly regarded locker room leader who should make an impact on a young Timberwolves team. He is averaging just 6.8 points and 20.3 minutes per game for the Nets, who are languishing on the fringes of playoff contention in the lackluster Eastern Conference.
The Timberwolves have never made the postseason without Garnett prowling the paint. He may not be the player he was when he left in 2007, but the Wolves hope that when they return to the playoffs, Garnett will still have a major influence.
“Whatever he says, we’re going to do it,” Rubio said. “He’s going to have the voice in the locker room. We’re going to learn a lot from him. It’s great. Not just because he did great things over here. He’s been one of the greatest ever in this sport and I’m happy to be his teammate.”
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Alameda County
Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors
Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.
By Y’Anad Burrell
Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.
At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.
Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.
The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.
Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.
Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.
While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.
Barbara Lee
WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland
“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”
Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.
Special to The Post
The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.
The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.
“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”
In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.
About the Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.
This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.
Activism
McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell
William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.
By Ken Epstein
West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).
William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.
Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.
The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.
Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.
Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”
Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”
Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”
Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.
“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.
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