Words cannot describe what happened the night of Wednesday, February 25, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Fans from all over the state frantically scoured for tickets to the contest between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards. Why did fans care more about this night than any other in the 82-game season?

Two words: The Kid.

Kevin Garnett, the face of the franchise for 12 seasons in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, was making his return. Garnett infused a fire within Target Center that night which hadn’t been felt in years. The state of Minnesota suddenly cared about basketball once again.

Fast forward to this week, and Garnett has agreed in principal to a two-year deal with the Timberwolves to remain in the land which he calls home. Garnett may not be the All Star he once was, but Minnesota knew exactly what they were doing when they traded for their beloved big man back in February — securing the future of the organization.

Since then, every move Flip Saunders and the front office made has been centered around one individual: Garnett.

Minnesota drafted Karl-Anthony Towns with the first overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. Seen as not only the best big man in this year’s draft, but the best overall player, Towns gives the Timberwolves solidarity in the front court. With Towns in Minnesota now, who will they look toward to develop this young prospect?

You guessed it — Garnett.

The Timberwolves also made a trade in order to snag point guard Tyus Jones in the first round. For those unfamiliar, Jones hails from Apple Valley, Minnesota. Before making the leap to college ball, even before laying a foot on the court in high school, Jones had a fantastic example of what true passion on the hardwood looks like as a kid.

Once again, that would be Garnett.

Towns and Jones will blossom under a peer leader like Garnett. After all, who knows Minnesota basketball better than him? Towns was a near obvious pick, but make no mistake, the Jones move was absolutely, 100 percent calculated with Garnett in mind. What more could Saunders ask for than his two first-round picks beginning their career as excited, motivated and at-home as Towns and Jones already are?

Kyle Ratke of Timberwolves.com weighed in on Twitter about the chemistry between the two draft picks.

Towns was asked about the chemistry with Jones. He said it’s already there.

— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) July 6, 2015

Beyond the relationship between Garnett and his new teammates in Towns and Jones, the Timberwolves will benefit even greater down the line. According to the Star Tribune, Garnett’s deal includes a provision in which he would move into a managerial role if he is unable to play in the second season of his contract.

You know what that means, Timberwolves fans — Garnett is home to stay. The Big Ticket is back for good, and he is ready to bring Minnesota basketball back to where it once was. See, Garnett and the Timberwolves didn’t agree merely on a contract to play basketball for two more years, they agreed to excellence in the years to come.

Ryan Heckman is a writer for www.RantSports.com covering the NBA and NFL. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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