Report: Bulls Coming for MN Timberwolves Coach/Front Office Duo
The Minnesota Timberwolves are worried enough about finishing off the Denver Nuggets, and advancing beyond the first round of the NBA Playoffs, to worry about advancing to the Western Conference finals for the third-straight postseason.
Void superstar Anthony Edwards and top outside shooter Donte DiVincenzo, the Wolves are +114 underdogs to move on to the second round, even though they are up 3-2 in the series and only need one more victory to move on.
Changes coming to Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason
No matter the Timberwolves’ 2026 postseason fate, there are expected to be some major shake-ups this offseason. Head coach Chris Finch is expected to return, after recently signing a lucrative contract (with a big buyout).
So is president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, though less is guaranteed with him, since he’s due another contract extension, and his services are widely sought after. Still, according to Michael Scotto (HoopsHype) all signs point to his return… at least for now.
While the Timberwolves have already lost two key players while leading their first-round series 3-2 over the Denver Nuggets, the franchise could also lose key members of their front office and coaching staff.
Within league circles, there’s a strong belief that the Dallas Mavericks will eventually pursue Timberwolves president Tim Connelly for their lead executive position. Amid that buzz, the Minnesota Timberwolves have expressed interest in extending Connelly as their lead executive for the foreseeable future, league sources told HoopsHype.
Michael Scotto – HoopsHype.com
There will be plenty of changes to the Wolves’ roster next season too. And if we assume Tim Connelly stays, he guaranteed to have a variety of offseason tricks up his sleeve, even beyond his expected re-run at Giannis Antetokounmpo, after missing on him at the trade deadline.
GM Matt Lloyd leaving Minnesota for Chicago Bulls?
Even if we assume those two return, both the coaching staff and front office around them will undoubtedly look different. Later in Scotto’s article, he goes on to report that, with Connelly off the table, the Chicago Bulls are coming for his highly-respected general manager Matt Lloyd.
And if Lloyd leaves for Chicago, it would make logical sense that he’d bring Minnesota Timberwolves ballyhooed assistant coach, Micah Nori, with him to be the Bulls’ new head coach.
Elsewhere, Connelly’s right-hand man and Minnesota’s general manager, Matt Lloyd, is considered arguably the front runner for the lead executive role with the Chicago Bulls. If Lloyd indeed is hired by the Bulls, Timberwolves lead assistant coach Micah Nori will be a strong candidate for Chicago’s head coaching position.
As Minnesota’s playoff run continues, these situations will continuously be monitored.
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Lloyd was promoted to general manager in the summer of 2024, after serving as the Timberwolves’ vice president of basketball operations. Before he came to Minnesota, he spent ten seasons with the Orlando Magic. However, he is a Chicago native, which adds intrigue to these rumors.
In fact, Matt Lloyd started his executive career in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, back in 1994 where he was hired as a game-day employee. It was in the Bulls organization where he rose through the ranks and made a name for himself around NBA circles. He also worked for the Chicago White Sox for a half-decade.
What Happens if MN Timberwolves lost Micah Nori?
Chicago finished 31-51 last year, under Billy Donovan, who parted ways with the organization earlier this offseason. Of course, Nori is a highly regarded emerging head coach candidate, and has been for some time.
Nori has been an assistant coach in the NBA since 2009, when he was hired onto the Toronto Raptors staff. This is his fifth season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, which is the longest amount of time he’s spent with any of the five NBA organizations he’s worked for.
If Micah Nori moves on, the Wolves’ current staff has plenty of intriguing candidates to replace his spot on the bench, next to Chris Finch. Pablo Prigioni is arguably the second biggest name behind Nori. He’d be an obvious candidate for promotion.
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