Timberwolves officially announce signing of Li Kaier! Switching to jersey No. 12, becomes first player in team history to wear three different numbers

On March 3, Beijing time, the Timberwolves officially announced the signing of forward Li Kaier. In line with team policy, the specifics of the contract were not released. After agreeing to a buyout with the Grizzlies, he opted to rejoin the Timberwolves. The team shared a poster to welcome Li Kaier back.

Reports indicate Li Kaier will wear the No. 12 jersey. This makes Li Kaier the first player in Timberwolves history to wear three different jersey numbers: No. 5 (2022-23 season), No. 1 (2023-24 season), and now No. 12.

The 2.03-meter-tall Li Kaier played for both the Jazz and the Grizzlies this season, appearing in 24 games (3 starts) and averaging 20.4 minutes per game, with 7.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, while shooting 56.3% from the field.

The 32-year-old Li Kaier has played 12 seasons in the NBA, for the Grizzlies, Spurs, Timberwolves, Warriors, Heat, and Jazz. He has appeared in 738 regular-season games (311 starts), averaging 21.0 minutes per game, with 6.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, on 48.1% shooting.

During his two seasons with the Timberwolves, Li Kaier played 148 games (56 starts), averaging a career-high 25.3 minutes per game, and posted 7.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and a career-high 4.5 assists, with a field goal percentage of 48.6%. He recorded 3 triple-doubles with the Timberwolves, tying for third-most in franchise history.

Li Kaier has reached the playoffs 8 times in his career, playing in 68 postseason games (9 starts) and averaging 16.3 minutes per game, with 5.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, while shooting 49.5% from the field.