Minnesota Timberwolves’ Toughest Player Departures Of The Century

Following the shocking trade of Karl-Anthony Towns this offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves have had to cope with some really tough player departures. Losing a star like KAT was a major blow, but he wasn't the only key player who left a lasting impact on the team. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most difficult exits in Timberwolves history, highlighting why these players were so important and how their departures affected the franchise.

1. Kevin Garnett

When Kevin Garnett left the Wolves in 2007, it was like the heart of the franchise got ripped out. Garnett had been the face of the Timberwolves since 1995, and over his 12 seasons, he was everything to this team. The guy averaged 20.5 points, 11.4 boards, and 4.5 assists per game, racking up 10 All-Star appearances and an MVP award in 2004. He carried the Wolves to their best season ever in 2004 when they made the Western Conference Finals. He wasn’t just putting up stats—he was the leader, the engine of the team.

By the time he left, Garnett held almost every record for the Wolves. He was the all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. His intensity and competitiveness were unmatched. But the Wolves just couldn’t build a solid supporting cast around him, which eventually led to his trade to the Celtics. The move sent Garnett off to win a title, but for the Wolves, it marked the end of an era. His departure left a massive void, and it’s one that the team didn’t recover from for years.

Fans didn’t just lose a player; they lost the identity of the team. The Wolves became a rebuilding project once again, trying to fill the shoes of one of the greatest power forwards the game has ever seen. Losing KG was more than just losing a star—it was losing the heart and soul of the franchise.

2. Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns ’ trade in early October rocked the Timberwolves. After nine years of being the face of the team, he was dealt to the Knicks in a three-team trade that brought Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a protected first-round pick to the Wolves. KAT had been everything to the Wolves, averaging 22.9 points and 10.8 rebounds during his time in Minnesota, and he made four All-Star appearances along the way. He wasn’t just a numbers guy either—Towns’ ability to stretch the floor made him a unique weapon for a big man.

Towns’ departure comes right after the Wolves made their best playoff run in years, reaching the 2024 Western Conference Finals. Fans thought the partnership between Towns and Anthony Edwards was finally clicking, but with big contracts on the books for Edwards and Rudy Gobert, plus financial pressure from the luxury tax, it became clear Minnesota couldn’t afford to keep everyone.

The move stings not just because of Towns’ talent, but also because he was one of the most beloved players in Wolves history. From his 60-point game in 2022 to his leadership on and off the court, KAT gave the franchise hope during some pretty rough stretches. Losing him isn’t just about basketball—he was the heart of the Wolves for nearly a decade. Now, the Wolves have to figure out their future without their long-time franchise star, and while they got some solid pieces in return, Towns' absence is going to be felt in a big way.

3. Kevin Garnett (Retirement)

Kevin Garnett’s final exit from the Timberwolves in 2016 was a bittersweet moment for the franchise. After being traded back to Minnesota in 2015, Garnett returned to where it all began, providing leadership to a young Wolves squad. Even though he wasn’t the dominant force he once was, his presence was invaluable to the team’s development.

Garnett’s second stint in Minnesota was more about mentoring than putting up huge stats, as he averaged 3.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in his final season. However, his impact wasn’t measured in stats—he brought toughness, passion, and a connection to the Wolves' past greatness. His retirement marked the true end of the Garnett era, as he left the court for the last time with the same intensity and passion that made him a legend.

For Wolves fans, KG’s final exit was like saying goodbye all over again. It was the closing of a chapter that began with him transforming the Timberwolves into contenders. The franchise has yet to find another player who means as much to the team as Garnett did, and his final retirement felt like the official end of an era.

4. Kevin Love

Kevin Love’s departure from the Timberwolves in 2014 was a major blow to the franchise. Love was the team’s best player for years, a rebounding machine who also stretched the floor with his shooting. He averaged 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds in his final season with the Wolves and made three All-Star appearances during his time in Minnesota. His ability to dominate the glass and score from anywhere on the court made him a fan favorite and one of the top power forwards in the league.

The Wolves traded Love to the Cavaliers in a blockbuster deal that brought Andrew Wiggins to Minnesota. While it was necessary to move on, losing a player like Love, who consistently put up huge numbers and was the face of the franchise for several seasons, was tough for the team and its fans. Love went on to win a championship with Cleveland, but for the Wolves, it was another case of having to rebuild after losing a star.

Love’s departure marked the end of an era where he carried the Wolves night in and night out. Even though the trade brought future assets, it took years for Minnesota to regain its footing without their superstar.

5. Jimmy Butler

The Wolves were excited when they brought in Jimmy Butler in 2017, believing he could push them to the next level. In his first season, he led the team to their first playoff appearance in over a decade, showing his scoring, leadership, and all-around impact. Butler averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, becoming the heart of the team.

But behind the scenes, things weren’t going smoothly. Butler grew frustrated with the lack of effort from some of his teammates, combined with the little to no talks about a max extension on the franchise’s side, and the tension exploded in an infamous practice where he reportedly led the third-stringers to beat the starters, calling out both players and management. The situation became untenable, and Butler publicly demanded a trade.

His departure in 2018 to the 76ers was a massive blow to the Wolves. They had built around Butler, believing he could be the leader to guide them deep into the playoffs. His exit felt like a step back for a team that had finally started to gain some momentum.

For fans, Butler’s exit was another chapter in the Wolves’ long history of losing star players just when things seemed to be going right. His talent and drive were undeniable, but the clash with his teammates and the organization left the team in a tough spot, forcing another rebuild.

6. Andrew Wiggins

By the time Andrew Wiggins was traded in 2020, the Wolves had to admit that things just weren’t working out as planned. Drafted first overall in 2014, Wiggins was supposed to be their next big superstar, someone to carry the franchise alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. Over his six seasons, he averaged 19.7 points and had plenty of highlight-reel moments, but his lack of consistency and defensive effort became a problem.

The Wolves sent him to the Warriors in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, looking for a new direction. Fans had mixed feelings—on one hand, Wiggins’ talent was undeniable, but his inability to consistently dominate games frustrated both the front office and the fanbase. It wasn’t that Wiggins was a bad player; he just didn’t seem to fully deliver on his potential in Minnesota.

His departure was hard because Wiggins had become a major part of the team’s identity during his time there. Fans had invested so much hope in him, believing he could be the answer to their struggles. Even though moving him was seen as necessary, it still hurt to see a player with so much potential leave without fulfilling what everyone had hoped for.

Once he landed in Golden State, Wiggins transformed into a key piece of their 2022 championship run, showing more consistency and defense than he had in Minnesota. For the Wolves, it was tough to watch Wiggins thrive elsewhere, leaving fans wondering what could’ve been if he had found that spark while wearing a Timberwolves jersey.

7. Zach LaVine

It was hard to see Zach LaVine exit the team in 2017, especially for a young player who was just scratching the surface of his potential. LaVine had insane athleticism and won back-to-back Slam Dunk Contests, but he was evolving into more than just a highlight-reel player. In his third season with the Wolves, he averaged 18.9 points per game, showing improvements in his scoring, playmaking, and three-point shooting. Wolves fans were excited to see where his development could go.

But then the Wolves made a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler, sending LaVine, along with Kris Dunn and a pick that became Lauri Markkanen, to the Bulls. LaVine had just torn his ACL before the trade, which made it easier for Minnesota to move on, but it was still a tough decision. Losing a player with so much untapped potential, especially one fans had grown attached to, left a bittersweet feeling.

After the trade, LaVine took his game to another level with the Bulls. He developed into one of the league's premier scorers, averaging over 24 points per game and becoming a two-time All-Star. Watching him thrive in Chicago was tough for Wolves fans, who were left wondering what could have been if LaVine had stayed and continued to develop in Minnesota.

It felt like the Wolves gave up on LaVine too early, especially considering how much he grew after the injury. The trade for Butler was a short-term win, but losing LaVine stings even more in hindsight as he blossomed into a star elsewhere. His exit is a prime example of a player who was just starting to come into his own when he left.

Related: 2024-25 Minnesota Timberwolves Projected Starting Lineup

8. Ricky Rubio

Ricky Rubio’s exit from the Wolves in 2017 was an emotional one for fans. Drafted by Minnesota in 2009, he didn’t debut until 2011 due to playing overseas, but when he did, Rubio quickly became a fan favorite. His flashy passes, court vision, and playmaking abilities made him an exciting player to watch, even if his scoring was inconsistent. Over six seasons with the Wolves, Rubio averaged 8.5 assists per game, becoming a key part of the team’s identity.

Rubio’s leadership and unselfish play helped shape the young Wolves roster. But as the team transitioned into a new era with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota opted to trade Rubio to the Utah Jazz for a first-round pick. For many fans, the move felt like losing a cornerstone, a player who symbolized the team's grit and determination through tough years.

After leaving, Rubio continued to perform at a high level, thriving with the Jazz and later helping lead the Phoenix Suns to the playoffs. Seeing him succeed elsewhere was a reminder of what the Wolves had given up. Rubio wasn’t just about stats; his leadership, vision, and ability to elevate teammates made him invaluable.

His trade marked the end of an era for the Wolves, especially for fans who had followed his journey from the start. While his scoring wasn’t elite, his passion and playmaking left a void that’s been hard to fill in Minnesota since his departure.

9. Al Jefferson

Watching Al Jefferson leave the Wolves in 2010 was a tough pill to swallow for fans who saw him as the centerpiece of the post-Kevin Garnett era. Jefferson arrived in 2007 in the blockbuster deal with Boston, and immediately became the Wolves' offensive leader, averaging 20.1 points and 10.4 rebounds during his three years in Minnesota. His low-post dominance was rare in the league, making him one of the best scorers around the basket.

Despite Jefferson’s individual brilliance, the team struggled to find success, and injuries kept holding him back. The Wolves, under new leadership and looking to rebuild once again, decided to trade him to the Utah Jazz in 2010 for two future first-round picks and cap relief. The front office wanted to transition toward a faster-paced, more perimeter-oriented team, which didn’t align with Jefferson’s style of play.

For fans, it wasn’t just about losing a player—it felt like the end of an era that never truly got going. Jefferson was one of the few consistent bright spots during some tough seasons, and seeing him traded away left a sense of what could have been if the team had found the right pieces to complement him. His exit left the Wolves without a clear identity, and once again in full rebuild mode, just a few years after trading Garnett.

10. Sam Cassell

It was clear that when Sam Cassell left the Timberwolves in 2005, an important chapter was closing for the team. Cassell had arrived in 2003 and was immediately the spark the Wolves needed to reach their first and only Western Conference Finals, averaging 19.8 points and 7.3 assists that season. His leadership and late-game heroics were exactly what the team needed to elevate them to contenders.

Injuries caught up with Cassell during the 2004-05 season, and the Wolves, looking for a reset, traded him to the Clippers for Marko Jarić and Lionel Chalmers. It wasn’t an easy trade for fans to swallow, as Cassell had been a key part of their best season in franchise history, but the team needed to start fresh.

His departure marked the beginning of the end for that era of Timberwolves basketball. Losing Cassell wasn’t just about numbers—he was the veteran presence and steady hand that the team had lacked for years. His brief tenure left a lasting impact, and Wolves fans couldn’t help but wonder what could have been if injuries hadn’t derailed his final season.

For a team that had struggled to make playoff noise, Cassell’s presence and leadership will always be remembered as a key factor in their best run. His departure, while necessary, felt like the closing of a window that had been hard to open for so long.

11. Wally Szczerbiak

When Wally Szczerbiak was traded in 2006, it felt like the Wolves were letting go of a key piece of their identity. Drafted in 1999, Wally quickly became a fan favorite, known for his smooth shooting and consistent scoring. He averaged 15.5 points during his seven seasons with the team and earned an All-Star selection in 2002. Szczerbiak was a reliable presence on a team that saw its fair share of ups and downs.

The Wolves traded him to the Celtics in a multi-player deal as they tried to retool around Kevin Garnett. For many fans, it was a tough loss because Szczerbiak had become one of the few constants during that era of Wolves basketball. His ability to score from mid-range and knock down threes made him a valuable asset, and his departure left a gap on the wing that wasn’t easily filled.

Wally’s trade didn’t just hurt on the court; it was a reminder that the team was in flux, trying to find the right mix to complement Garnett and get back to playoff contention. Although his exit was necessary for the team’s rebuild, it stung to see a player who had given so much to the franchise move on.

His steady play and dedication to the team left a lasting mark on the Wolves, and his departure was another moment where fans felt like they were losing a bit of stability in an ever-changing roster.

12. Nikola Pekovic

Nikola Pekovic’s exit from the Wolves in 2017 was less about performance and more about what could have been. Known for his bruising style and dominance in the paint, Pekovic was a fan favorite. At his peak, he averaged 17.5 points and 8.7 rebounds, forming a powerful duo with Kevin Love. But constant injuries, especially with his ankles, derailed his career.

Pekovic’s career came to a halt when the Wolves waived him after injuries kept him off the court for nearly two seasons. Fans couldn’t help but feel disappointed, as Pekovic gave his all whenever he was healthy, embodying the toughness and grit of the team during his time. His departure left a big hole, both in the lineup and in the hearts of Wolves fans, who appreciated his no-nonsense style and work ethic.

For a team that struggled to find consistent success, losing Pekovic felt like the end of an era defined by tough, physical play. Though injuries shortened his career, his impact on the franchise remains significant.

13. Gorgui Dieng

When Gorgui Dieng was traded in 2020, it felt like saying goodbye to the Wolves' unsung hero. Dieng wasn’t the flashiest player, but he was dependable, showing up every night with gritty defense, solid rebounding, and a reliable jumper. He averaged 7.9 points and 6.4 boards over seven seasons, always doing the dirty work without much fanfare.

His move to Memphis was mostly about clearing cap space, but for fans, it meant losing a steady presence on and off the court. Dieng was the kind of player who made everyone around him better.

Dieng was a valuable locker room presence, known for his positive influence on younger players. His versatility, effort, and consistency made him an important piece for the Wolves, and while his trade made sense from a business standpoint, his departure left a noticeable gap. For many, Dieng embodied the kind of reliable role player that any team needs, making his exit bittersweet.

14. Jarred Vanderbilt

The trade that sent Jarred Vanderbilt to Utah in 2022 felt like a real gut-punch for Wolves fans who loved the hustle and heart he brought every night. Vanderbilt wasn’t a guy lighting up the scoreboard, but his work ethic was unmatched. He averaged 6.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game during his time with the Wolves, constantly diving for loose balls and making life tough for opponents on the defensive end.

Being included in the Rudy Gobert trade made sense from a team-building perspective, but it meant parting ways with a player who embodied grit and hustle. Vanderbilt’s ability to guard multiple positions, grab tough rebounds, and provide relentless energy made him the kind of guy every team needs, but few truly appreciate until they’re gone. His defense and versatility were crucial in giving the Wolves a competitive edge.

For fans, Vanderbilt’s departure was bittersweet. While it was clear the team needed to make moves to build around Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, losing a player who left it all on the court every night left a hole that was hard to fill. His contribution wasn’t just in the stats—it was in the attitude he brought to the team.

Vanderbilt’s trade showed the difficult side of roster moves. Sometimes, a team has to give up a player whose hustle and energy bring a spark, even if they don’t always show up on the stat sheet. For the Wolves, losing Vanderbilt was more than just losing a role player—it was losing the heartbeat of their defense.

15. Derrick Rose

For Wolves fans, seeing Derrick Rose leave in 2019 felt like the end of a special chapter. After years of struggling with injuries, Rose found new life in Minnesota, where he delivered some of the most exciting moments of his career , including his emotional 50-point game against the Jazz. He averaged 16.2 points and 3.9 assists during his time with the team, bringing leadership and heart to a young Wolves roster.

When Rose joined the Pistons, it left a sense of unfinished business in Minnesota. Fans had watched him fight his way back from injury and give everything on the court. Losing him wasn’t just about losing a scorer—it felt like losing a player who had embodied perseverance and passion at a time when the Wolves needed it most.

His impact wasn’t just in the numbers. Rose’s presence in the locker room and his leadership on the court made him invaluable. For a team that was still finding its footing, Rose had been a steady, experienced voice that helped guide them through rough patches.

His departure was tough because it felt like he had become a key part of the team’s identity, someone who had embraced the challenge of rebuilding right alongside the franchise.

Check out our other departure stories we’ve done so far:

Golden State Warriors’ Toughest Player Departures In The Steph Curry Era

Los Angeles Lakers’ Toughest Player Departures In The LeBron James Era

Los Angeles Clippers’ Toughest Player Departures In The Last 10 Seasons

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