Garnett, who is averaging near 23 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks per game, signed a six year deal worth $126 million at the end of September of 1997 after his agent, Eric Fleisher, declared, "Kevin Garnett will not re-sign with the [Minnesota] club after next season" (Aschburner). This was on August 12, 1997. Glen Taylor, the Timberwolves owner, had a first offer on the table. It was a six year deal worth $103.2 million. Fans were shocked when Garnett and his agent turned it down. The Timberwolves couldnt imagine their future without Kevin Garnett. Taylor then offered a $118 million deal which he also turned down. Finally Taylor offered $126 million. Fleisher asked Taylor for an "out" clause, meaning Garnett could have the choice of leaving after three or four years. Taylor said, "No." Garnett signed the deal. Garnett jumped from $2.1 million in 1997-98 to $14 million in 1998-99, to $16.8 million this year. After this year he will take in about $19.6 million, $22.4 million, $25.2 million, and in the final year of the deal, he will receive $28 million. Every penny is guaranteed, even if he is injured or doesnt develop into a superstar. Fleisher made the comment, "One of the concerns I had is that Kevin is making a six-year commitment to them. The market has escalated so rapidly, ...
