Latrell Sprewell

A key component of Minnesota's 58-win trio who led them to their first-ever Western Conference Finals.

Latrell Sprewell joined the Minnesota Timberwolves in late 2003 via a four-team trade, arriving alongside Sam Cassell to form a dynamic duo with incumbent superstar Kevin Garnett. The three quickly became the league's highest-scoring trio. During his two seasons with the franchise, he helped guide the team to a 58–24 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference for the 2004 playoffs. While his time in Minnesota was brief compared to his tenure elsewhere, it culminated in a deep playoff run that reached the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers before ending in six games.

Quick Facts

Born: 8 September 1970
Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
College: Three Rivers (1988–1990); Alabama (1990–1992)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 24
Drafted by: Golden State Warriors
Career number: 15, 8
Career position: Shooting guard; small forward

Lore & Background

Sprewell's arrival in Minnesota marked a pivotal shift for the franchise, pairing him with superstar power forward Kevin Garnett—who was already the team's cornerstone—and newly acquired point guard Sam Cassell. The trio propelled the Timberwolves to a historic 58–24 record, earning the top seed in the Western Conference. They defeated the Denver Nuggets in five games and the Sacramento Kings in seven to reach the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Los Angeles Lakers. Sprewell finished third on the team in scoring at 16.8 points per game, behind Garnett's 24.2 and Cassell's 19.8. Despite the success, his tenure ended in controversy; on October 31, 2004, the Timberwolves offered him a three-year, $21 million extension, which he publicly rejected as an insult to his family's needs. Declaring he would rather retire than take the NBA minimum or mid-level exception later, he played out his final contract year before leaving the league without signing another deal.

Reader's Guide

Latrell Sprewell played for the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2003–04 and 2004–05 seasons. His primary role was scoring, averaging 16.8 points per game in his first season with the team. The franchise offered him a three-year, $21 million contract extension on October 31, 2004, which he declined due to the pay cut involved. He famously stated, "I have a family to feed," and refused offers from other teams that did not meet his salary expectations, including the NBA minimum or mid-level exception. His final game was against the San Antonio Spurs on April 20, 2005. The team reached the Western Conference Finals in 2004, their only appearance until 2024.