Garnett Signs Five-Year Extension

All-Star forward Kevin Garnett signed a five-year contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, satisfied that the off-season acquisitions of Latrell Sprewell, Sam Cassell and Michael Olowokandi have given him a better chance for his first playoff success.

Garnett will make an NBA-high $28 million this season, the final installment of the record six-year, $126-million deal he signed in Oct. 1, 1997.

Neither side would discuss terms, but the new deal was believed to have a higher per season average than the $21 million his current contract provided.

“I’m excited for the fans. I’m excited for the city. I’m excited!” Garnett said at a news conference in Minneapolis.

Garnett, 27, set career highs last year by averaging 23 points, 13.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists.

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Portland Trail Blazer guard Damon Stoudamire was reinstated to the team, having served a nearly three-month suspension for his arrest on drug charges.

The team also said he won’t have to pay a $250,000 fine.

Instead, Stoudamire said he would donate $100,000 to an early childhood education program in the Portland area. He also said he voluntarily entered a drug treatment program and had been clean for 90 days.

Stoudamire pleaded innocent in July to possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

A package of marijuana allegedly fell out of his pants at the Tucson International Airport.

Meanwhile, Trail Blazer swingman Qyntel Woods was cited Monday night for driving with a suspended license and no proof of insurance, Portland police said.

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