In a long-awaited move, Minnesota Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett is returning to the franchise that drafted him.

The Wolves teased Garnett's return on social media, saying "the Big Ticket is back." The franchise later said he'll have the title of team ambassador for the Wolves and Lynx, "attending select home games, elevating the fan experience, championing community initiatives across the Twin Cities and helping shape the teams' stories through exclusive content."

"I'm thrilled to be back home," said Garnett. "Minnesota is where it all began, where I was young, hungry and learning how to compete at the highest level."     

The reunion will come with a jersey retirement, something Timberwolves fans have long called for but was put on hold amid a very public falling out between Garnett and former franchise owner Glen Taylor. The Wolves said details about the retirement of No. 21 will come later.

"I think he deserves it, all the work that he's put in. Hall of famer, obviously," Wolves center Naz Reid said. "I think it just goes to speak to what he's done for this organization."

Minnesota took Garnett fifth overall in the 1995 NBA draft. He ascended into the franchise's best player over the next 12 seasons, bringing the team to eight straight playoff appearances and as far as the Western Conference Finals in 2004. Garnett was named MVP that season and made 10 All-Star teams during his time with the Wolves.

In 2007, the Wolves traded Garnett to the Boston Celtics, where he won an NBA championship in his first season with the team.

The Big Ticket returned to the Wolves in 2015 before retiring in 2016. 

Taylor's protracted sale of the team to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez cleared the way for Garnett's return.

"I'm excited to be back in the Twin Cities at a time when Marc and Alex are setting a bold new vision for this franchise," Garnett said. "Their leadership has brought fresh energy to the organization, and I'm excited to help build what's next for the Timberwolves, our fans and this community."