This Day In Timberwolves History: Garnett traded to Celtics

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Mar 7, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward center Al Jefferson (25) controls the all during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 108-103. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Al Jefferson was the key to the trade. Then just 22 years old, Jefferson had only played in 199 games over three years for Boston after being drafted out of high school. He was coming off his age-22 season during which he averaged an even 16 points and 10 rebounds in 60 starts for the Celtics.

Indeed, Jefferson was a near-All-Star for the Wolves over the course of his three seasons calling Target Center home. He averaged 21.8 points and 11.2 rebounds over one and two-thirds seasons with the Timberwolves before tearing his ACL, ending his second season in Minnesota early.

After a so-so third year while recovering from the injury, Jefferson was traded to the Jazz by David Kahn for two weirdly-protected first round picks and Kosta Koufos. The arrival and emergence of Kevin Love forced Kahn’s hand (or, so he thought), and Jefferson has remained one of the more consistent players in the NBA.

He’s never been good enough to make an All-Star team, but he’s been an above-average starter everywhere he’s played.

Next: A Solid Role Player, But Not In Minnesota