The coaching staff is not just a result of Finch though. He has some exceptional assistants, and Micah Nori may be among the best of them. He has popped up in coaching searches over the course of the last few years.

Maybe the best fit for Nori would have been the New York Knicks. He has familiarity with superstar Karl-Anthony Towns as the Timberwolves sent him there prior to last season. Thankfully that isn’t coming to fruition.

Micah Nori staying with Minnesota Timberwolves

After one of the best seasons in franchise history the New York Knicks canned head coach Tom Thibodeau. They had interest in both Minnesota Timberwolves coaches Chris Finch and Micah Nori. The former was rebuffed, and the latter won’t come to fruition.

BREAKING: The New York Knicks are expected to land on two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown as the franchise's next head coach, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/LOXb74LFe4

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2025

With the Knicks opting against hiring Nori, he will return to the Minnesota Timberwolves bench for the fifth-straight year. It will be his 17th year in the NBA as an assistant coach. He started with the Toronto Raptors in 2009. A two-year stint with Sacramento followed, and then three year stops in both Denver and Detroit came before his time with Minnesota.

Nori has grown to be something of a fan-favorite as he provides a great in-game interview. Fans have gotten to see a bit of his personality as well as his ability to break down the game.

Mike Brown coached the Sacramento Kings the past two-and-a-half seasons. Sacramento sent him packing in December after a 13-18 start. He has done multiple stints as an assistant coach while having 11 years of head coaching experience under his belt.

Related: Timberwolves Trade NAW; Former Players Sign Elsewhere

Over the course of his career Brown has a 454-304 (.599) record and took the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals. He’ll look to get the Knicks their, and his, first NBA title.

Since the moment their season ended, speculation and uncertainty throughout the Wolves’ organization. From roster questions to ownership change — Tim Connelly’s expiring contract and, of course, a wild Kevin Durant goose chase, there’s been a lot happening.

The New York Knicks even called trying to smuggle Chris Finch out of Minnesota, not that long ago, after they shockingly fired Tom Thibodeau — who had just led the Knickerbockers to their first East Finals since the Y2K.

Of course, the Wolves denied New York’s request to interview their head coach, but they won’t be able to do the same with their top assistant, Micah Nori. If you’ll remember, Nori was listed by The Athletic as a possible candidate for the Knicks’ head coaching job, when it first came available.

New York Knicks move from interested to interviewing Micah Nori

That was before they started calling around on every big name head coach already employed around the league, a plan that did not bear any fruit. So now, the Knicks are being forced to seriously consider more realistic candidates, like Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori.

According to Shams Charania (ESPN) the New York Knicks have officially made Nori the third candidate to interview for their vacant head coaching job. The other two are veteran NBA head coach Mike Brown and former Grizzlies head coach (2019-2025), Taylor Jenkins.

The New York Knicks are interviewing Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori for the team's head coaching job, sources tell ESPN. Now three candidates – Nori and two former head coaches Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins – have done formal interviews for the Knicks' vacancy.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2025

Micah Nori started his NBA coaching career as an assistant with the Toronto Raptors (2009-2013) before landing in Sacramento from 2013-2021. It wasn’t until 2021 when Nori first linked up with Tim Connelly in Denver, before following him to Minnesota that offseason.

This isn’t the first time Nori has been linked to head coaching jobs around the NBA. Nori interviewed with the Cleveland Cavaliers last June. The LA Lakers also showed interest in May, 2024, before they eventually hired JJ Redick. In other words, even if it doesn’t happen this time around, Nori’s time as an assistant appears to be limited.

Minnesota Timberwolves offseason in flux…

Naz Reid and Julius Randle have player options they’re mulling. Both could very-well opt out. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is due to hit unrestricted free agency, as well.

Nobody is quite sure what will happen with those three, probably because we’ve spent most of the last two weeks trying to figure out if the Minnesota Timberwolves roster would be blown up by a Kevin Durant trade that never materialized.

Related: Local Insider Scoops Timberwolves Plan for Multiple Key Contributors This Offseason

And let’s also not forget that president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, still isn’t under contract beyond this summer. Of course, that will likely change shortly after the team is officially sold to new majority owner Marc Lore, a process that is expected to be completed within the next week.

Now, we can officially add “will Micah Nori be hired by the Knicks” to Minnesota’s list of items currently in flux.

For one season in the Big Apple, it was a bold move that reunited Towns with his former head coach in Minnesota, Tom Thibodeau. Despite the new-look Knicks going on to win 51 regular season games and making it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, Thibs was fired on Tuesday.

While there are still questions surrounding Towns’ fit in New York, the $53 million (2025-26), $57 million (2026-27) and $61 million (2027-28 player option) he’s due the next three seasons will make it nearly impossible for the Knicks to move him. Instead, they will likely be forced to find a new head coach that can get them to the next level, with KAT on roster.

Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori linked to Knicks head coaching job

And wouldn’t you know it, the Knicks are eyeing up the Minnesota Timberwolves yet again, in assistant coach, Micah Nori, according to The Athletic insiders — who linked him, along with eleven other candidates, to the New York Knicks’ newly vacant head coaching job.

Nori has been involved in several coaching searches in recent years while serving as the lead assistant in Minnesota under head coach Chris Finch. He has earned acclaim for his smarts and his mid-game interviews with the Timberwolves, while the franchise has also had two of its most successful seasons during his time there.

The Athletic

The fit in New York is an understandable one. Nori has a well-developed relationship with Towns and would be given reign to push him. If there is a way to bridge the gap on the roster between those that were there, and Towns going forward, a familiar face could be it.

At 51 years old Nori isn’t a former player fresh off of retirement and stepping onto the sidelines. He’s also not the aging retread that has been passed around the league by countless other teams. Nori has been waiting for his opportunity and he’d be a fresh voice in NBA head coaching circles.

He began as an assistant with the Toronto Raptors during the 2009-10 season and was there until going to Sacramento in 2013-14. He worked under Tim Connelly in Denver and came to Minnesota before the 2021-22 season.

Related: Timberwolves Deja Vu: Tom Thibodeau Relieved of His Coaching Duties in New York

It’s a pretty big ask for a new head coach to come in and improve upon 51 wins. Then again, it was here that you read about Tom Thibodeau being a fit for the incompetent New York Knicks.

So… is Nori going to leave for the New York Knicks?

In recent seasons there has been plenty of talk about Nori’s possible rise to head coaching prominence. At some point, that much smoke should eventually catch fire. Until then, he will continue to assist Chris Finch, who is easily the most successful head coach the Minnesota Timberwolves have ever had.

For as great as Finch has been, he has been severely out-coached at times, as well. If the Minnesota Timberwolves were to surprise the basketball world and look to improve on Finchy, maybe Nori would get a look. More likely, he and other rising assistants will look elsewhere for head coaching opportunities.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have plenty things they will be juggling this summer on their own. I’d guess Connelly would prefer not to add a coaching hire to the mix, but he may not have a choice.

When the NBA Playoffs rolled around, he rose to an even more prominent role on the sidelines, after Chris Finch tore his patellar tendon and had to take a literal back seat behind the bench, to Nori, the players and the rest of the coaching staff.

Cleveland Cavaliers granted permission to interview Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori for vacant head coaching position

While Finch was still the lead man in charge, especially as the postseason moved forward and he was able to ditch the crutches, lead time out huddles and yell at officials, it was Nori’s face that was often seen first on television.

Now, Nori appears to be a wanted man across the league, as less successful teams move to replace their recently fired coaches. The Los Angeles Lakers have already inquired about Nori’s availability. According to Adrian Wojnarowski (ESPN), the Cleveland Cavaliers have now joined the fray.

The Cleveland Cavaliers received permission to interview Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori for franchise’s head coaching job, sources tell ESPN. Nori has also talked with the Lakers for vacancy there. Nori is an Ohio native. pic.twitter.com/pqmD4u802c

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 3, 2024

The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t led by LeBron James anymore, unlike the Lakers. Does that mean there is more room for Nori than whatever is or is not available in LA? Only time will tell.

In Cleveland, Nori would be taking over for the jettisoned J.B. Bickerstaff, who has a plethora of his own connections to the Wolves. After leading the Cavaliers to a fourth place finish in the Eastern Conference, and a 48-34 record, Cavs president Koby Altman decided the team needed to move in a different direction.

Related: Los Angeles Lakers Eyeing Timberwolves’ Top Assistant Micah Nori

As Woj notes, Nori is an Ohio native. As one of the hottest coaches on the market, he could be a slam dunk hire for Cleveland, or any team looking to get over the hump.

Can Cleveland Entice Nori Enough

Of course the decision to hire a head coach is a two-way street. While there are only so many openings, Micah Nori would certainly want to go to a situation that has a path towards success.

With the Cavaliers, Nori would be taking over a roster that includes stars Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. Other pieces are needed though, and competing with a team like the Boston Celtics would take a sizable leap forward.

Nori has had the privilege of working with Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota. There is some uncertainty as to the entirety of that trio being back next season as the Timberwolves wade into the luxury tax.

Related: Will Micah Nori Get an NBA Head Coaching Job?

Out of all the vacant coaching positions across the NBA, there is no doubt the Cavs’ situation is among the best, from a roster building standpoint. Even if Nori isn’t hired imminently, we can probably expect him to be connected to any job that opens between now and the start of the 2024-25 season.

Despite the Lakers actually holding a lead for 75% of the series, Denver had no trouble dismantling Los Angeles in just five games. Now, they want to know Minnesota’s secret. How in the heck did Micah Nori get the Wolves to whoop the Nuggets in the first two games of the series, on the road, nonetheless?

The Lakers intend to find out.

“Yes, I can confirm that (Nori and Adelman) those are two of the Lakers’ candidates during this coaching search. I think both guys are quality candidates. I think if they are going the assistant coaching route, those would probably be my top two choices, and it sounds like the Lakers or at least some people with the Lakers feel the same way.”

Jovan Buha on Buha’s Block – Lakers showing interest in Micah Nori (9:15 minute-mark)

According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers are eyeing Nori and former Wolves assistant David Adelman for their current head coaching vacancy. The belief is that Nori and Adelman are the Lakers’ top two choices.

It’s no surprise to hear about the Lakers trying to poach Chris Finch’s top assistant. Nori has proven himself not only capable of leading a team in a pinch, but the players love him, too. He’s like a copycat of Coach Finch, playing both sides as a players coach and a hard-nosed disciplinarian, but the players really respond to his style and bubbly personality.

Coaching in Minnesota, Nori is a bit of a hidden gem, but Finchy’s unfortunate leg injury has allowed the spotlight to shine on a coach who deserves every bit of love he receives. It won’t be long until Nori’s leading an NBA team.

Related: Kevin Garnett Prophesized Timberwolves Gm 3 Loss, Soft Refs Included

After Chris Finch went down during the round one matchup against the Phoenix Suns, it was feared that he had suffered a significant injury. A fluke collision left him with a torn patellar tendon and surgery was immediately on the table.

With a significant recovery ahead of him, and an impending series against the reigning champions, it was going to be on Micah Nori to step up. He doesn’t have the head coach title, and will someday, but not now.

From halftime to full time for Minnesota Timberwolves

If you have watched the Minnesota Timberwolves at all this season, Micah Nori is best known for his insightful comments to sideline reporters as the team emerges from the locker room. Quickly assessing what the Timberwolves are doing well, or where they need to lock in, his one-liners and overall analysis has become must-see television.

Related: Timberwolves’ Bench Setup Could Be Interesting After Chris Finch Knee Injury

With Finch unable to operate in a normal capacity the rest of the way, Nori has taken on a much more substantial role on the sideline. He is the one standing and orchestrating things on the court while the action plays out. Still guided by Finch, and with plenty of the head coach’s influence, Nori is getting his first taste of what it feels like to be the man in charge.

Opportunity will come for Micah Nori… but not now

Talking with the SKOR North guys on Mackey & Judd earlier this week, local insider Darren Wolfson was asked about what he’s hearing regarding Micah Nori as a future head coach in the league.

“I don’t know if it will be this cycle. I’m not sure if I see the opening that makes a ton of sense. Lakers. No. Wizards, Hornets? I’m not sure I see the fit. Somewhere down the road, he’s young enough so we may be talking a year from now.

I’ll be surprised if it’s not, but maybe a year from now. Micah Nori, he’s brilliant. The way he articulates the game, anybody who has watched some of those pregame chat sessions or heard him, probably gets a sense. Those on the inside, and not just the Wolves but those in the NBA, they’ve known how brilliant he is for a long time.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Continuing to Build

How the rest of the season plays out for the Minnesota Timberwolves remains to be seen. They are in a great position with the reigning champs in an 0-2 hole, and the Target Center playing host to game three.

The hope would be that Anthony Edwards, Karl Anthony Towns, and the rest of the roster can close out round two in short order as well. They’d face another tough test during the Western Conference Finals, and obviously an NBA Finals series won’t be a cakewalk either.

Related: Nuggets Coach Mike Malone Foreshadowed Denver’s Game 2 Collapse vs Timberwolves

Even if the year doesn’t end with a win, there is a nucleus for Minnesota to make a sustained run. Keeping Micah Nori on Chris Finch’s staff for another season would be a great outcome for Edwards and his teammates. If Nori is going to get head coaching looks, but they don’t happen immediately, that certainly wouldn’t be a bad development for the franchise that currently employs him.