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TIMBERWOLV­ES STAR THANKS FANS AFTER POSTING ‘FAREWELL’ VIDEO ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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innesota Timberwolv­es forward Kevin Garnett is calling time on his NBA career after 21 seasons, posting a video on Instagram saying “farewell” and “thank you” to fans who have backed him since 1995.

Garnett posted the video on Friday amid reports he and the Timberwolv­es had reached a deal on a buyout of his $8 million (Dh29.4 million) contract for the upcoming season.

The 40-year-old departs as the most productive player in the history of the Timberwolv­es, where he spent 13 1/2 of his 21 seasons.

“I’m just thankful. I can’t even put that into words,” Garnett says in the moody video that shows him alone in Minnesota’s Target Centre arena.

“I’m just thankful. I’m just thankful for everybody and the love. I never would have thought that people love me like this,” he adds in the video, which ends with the words “Farewell” and “Thank you for the journey” on the screen.

Garnett was drafted out of high school in 1995 and became one of the top power forwards in league history, helping make the long-suffering Timberwolv­es into playoff contenders.

He was the first player in two decades to go straight from high school to the NBA, and his success paved the way for similar moves by Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Tracy McGrady.

In departing he follows long tenured veterans Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan out of the NBA.

The 15-time All-Star ranks 17th with 26,071 career points, ninth in career rebounds with 14,662 and 17th in blocked shots with 2,037 and was the league’s in 2004.

Known for is intensity and his meticulous training habits, Garnett is one of five players to log at least 50,000 NBA game minutes. Most

Mentor role

Valuable Player

Traded from the Timberwolv­es to the Boston Celtics in 2007, Garnett won a title with the Celtics in 2008 when he was named defensive player of the year.

He returned to Minnesota in February last year and averaged 3.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in 38 games last season while battling injuries.

He also mentored rising star Karl-Anthony Towns as he provided a veteran presence on a young Minnesota team.

“It has been a real joy to watch KG come into the league as a young man and watch him develop his skills to become one of the very best in the NBA,” said Timberwolv­es owner Glen Taylor.

“I have treasured the opportunit­y to see him grow as a leader. I wish him continued success in the next chapter of his life. His Minnesota fans will always cherish the memories he has provided.”

The news comes with the Timberwolv­es first training camp under coach Tom Thibodeau set to begin on Tuesday.

Minnesota’s Spanish guard Ricky Rubio was among the players using social media to pay tribute to Garnett. “Thank you KG!!” Rubio said in an Instagram post. “Hands down one of the best to ever play this game. I learnt what hard work really means. Great teammate. It was a dream come true to play next to you.”

 ?? AP ?? Minnesota Timberwolv­es’ Kevin Garnett (right) drives on Atlanta Hawks’ Paul Millsap in the first quarter of an NBA game in Minneapoli­s. Garnett has informed the Timberwolv­es that he will retire after 21 seasons.
AP Minnesota Timberwolv­es’ Kevin Garnett (right) drives on Atlanta Hawks’ Paul Millsap in the first quarter of an NBA game in Minneapoli­s. Garnett has informed the Timberwolv­es that he will retire after 21 seasons.

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