Kevin Garnett

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Garnett's arrival in Boston was the catalyst for immediate success. Traded alongside Paul Pierce, he became a central figure in the team's 'Big Three.' In his debut season with the Celtics (2007–08), he led them to the NBA title by beating the Los Angeles Lakers. His impact was recognized immediately when he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award that same season. Beyond the ring, Garnett finished third in the MVP race despite joining a new team mid-cycle. This period represented a shift from his previous role as the sole franchise player in Minnesota to a key component in a championship-caliber squad.

In Their Own Story

The trade to Boston in 2007 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Garnett, moving him from Minnesota where he had led the Timberwolves to eight straight playoff runs and a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2004. Upon joining the Celtics, he quickly adapted to his new role, contributing to a squad that reached the NBA Finals in his first year. The team's journey culminated in defeating the Los Angeles Lakers for the championship. Garnett's defensive dominance was highlighted by his 2007–08 Defensive Player of the Year award. Although he had previously won the MVP award with Minnesota in 2004, his time in Boston showcased a different kind of leadership that prioritized team defense and collective success.

Reader's Guide

Garnett's tenure with the Celtics spanned from 2007 until 2013. His departure came via a second headline trade that sent him to the Brooklyn Nets alongside Paul Pierce. This trade concluded his first stint in Boston, which had been defined by a championship victory and individual defensive accolades. Before leaving for Brooklyn, Garnett had already established himself as one of the greatest power forwards of all time, known for versatility and intensity. His time in green served as a bridge between his early years of leading the Timberwolves and his eventual return to Minnesota in 2015 before retiring in 2016.

Did You Know?

• Garnett won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award during his first season with the Boston Celtics in 2007–08.
• He finished third in MVP voting for the 2007–08 season after helping lead Boston to the title.
• Garnett was traded back to Minnesota in 2015 after a stint with the Brooklyn Nets that began in 2013.
• Before joining Boston, Garnett led the Minnesota Timberwolves to their only Western Conference Finals appearance in 2004.