Kevin Garnett to Timberwolves: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

After a last-minute change of heart, forward Kevin Garnett will waive his no-trade clause and approve a trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Brooklyn Nets and the Timberwolves agreed to a deal before Thursday's deadline, with Garnett moving in exchange for Thaddeus Young, as Minnesota announced via the team's website.

Head coach Flip Saunders and owner Glen Taylor both offered their take on acquiring Garnett in the team release:

"

"We are excited to have Kevin Garnett back in Minnesota and playing for the Timberwolves," said Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders. "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."

"It means a lot to me to have Kevin Garnett back on our team," said Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor. "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."

"

NBA.com's David Aldridge first reported the news.

On Feb. 24, Garnett talked about coming back to his first team. Slam Magazine and the team's Twitter account provided some of the highlights: 

The Timberwolves want to bring back Garnett for next season too, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press. However, Garnett will have to do so as a free agent, as he won't be able to extend during the season, via Nate Duncan of Basketball Insiders.

Garnett, 38, is in the final season of a three-year, $36 million contract he initially signed with the Boston Celtics. The no-trade clause that was initially worked into that deal to ensure he'd finish his career in Boston has instead become but a mere hurdle in the negotiation of potential trades over the last two years.

For most of the season, Garnett had been hesitant to waive the clause. His family lives with him in Brooklyn, and he's not a big proponent of change. The only reason he approved the initial trade to the Nets back in 2013 was good friend Paul Pierce convincing him. Bleacher Report's Howard Beck reported as recently as last week that Garnett was expected to finish the season in Brooklyn.

A lot has obviously changed in a short period of time.

ESPN's Marc Stein first reported Minnesota's pursuit of Garnett late Wednesday night. Timberwolves coach and general manager Flip Saunders was said to be dangling Young in a package. Young was acquired last summer from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a first-round pick as part of the Kevin Love trade to Cleveland. That selection, which is Miami's 2015 first-round pick, would be No. 15 if the season ended today.

Garnett's return to the Timberwolves will certainly evoke feelings of nostalgia among the fans. Garnett spent his first dozen NBA seasons in Minnesota, building a Hall of Fame career and becoming the franchise's best player. He also has an interest in buying an ownership stake in the franchise, according to a November interview with Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears.

"I want to buy the Timberwolves. Put a group together and perhaps some day try to buy the team. That's what I want," Garnett told Spears.

On the court, he is nowhere near a good enough player at this point to move the needle on either end—not that the Wolves would want him to. Minnesota, which has the second-worst record in basketball, has little incentive to become a competitive team this season.

Garnett was brought in to be a mentor and a franchise ambassador, which could either lead to a fun going-out party or a miserable parting gift as Minnesota keeps dropping games in half-filled arenas.

Either way, the trade's here now. Let's see how it all plays out.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.