So far, Tim Connelly’s relentlessness to make a deal have proven fruitless, even going back to his failed attempt to land Kevin Durant during the offseason. And if we know anything about the Wolves’ president of basketball operations, it’s that he likes to make deals, not look for them.

Unfortunately, even when the ultimate dealmakers like Connelly are involved, it still takes two to tango. And with 1.5 months remaining until the NBA trade deadline, most of the league’s future deadline sellers have yet to admit defeat on their 2025-26 seasons.

Of course, that hasn’t stopped Minnesota’s PoBO from showing interest in every starting-caliber guard rumored to be unhappy and/or available, recently. In the last handful of weeks, Tim’s reportedly poked his head in on Ja Morant, in Memphis, and Kyrie Irving in Dallas.

For now, nobody’s ready to get serious about making a deal. But hey, shooters shoot. And rest assured, Tim Connelly is not going to stop putting himself out there, no matter how many times he gets turned down.

Latest Minnesota Timberwolves trade rumor

Like this week, when the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly set their sights on a deal with Chicago, where Joe Cowley (Chicago Sun-Times) wrote Thursday that Connelly was showing pretty extreme interest in talented young combo guard, Coby White — who takes on most of the Bulls’ ball-handling duties when available.

In his article, Cowley even went as far as to say that Minnesota had Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr and additional draft compensation on the table, in exchange for White. But there was one caveat to Connelly’s offer.

According to the longtime Chicago Bulls insider, the Timberwolves weren’t willing to wait for the trade deadline. While Cowley claimed “no trade is imminent”, he noted that the outcome of Friday night’s Bulls game could even be the deciding factor on whether or not a 9-14 Chicago team decides to pull the deadline ripcord early.

According to a source, Coby White has been inquired about, and time is of the essence in the Bulls making a decision. The source said that Minnesota is not looking to wait until February and the trade deadline to get a deal done, looking to fix the primary ball-handling situation that’s been an issue all season long for them.

…the Bulls game in Charlotte is taking on a bit more magnitude than just a Dec. 12 regular-season contest, and the clock is ticking.

Joe Cowley – Chicago Sun-Times

Coby White is not a healthy and available Ja Morant, or even a 33-year-old Kyrie Irving. Nonetheless, he’d be a really good fit in Minnesota, where the Timberwolves feel like they are a high-end ball-handler away from being a legitimate threat to come out of the West.

For those who haven’t been keeping tabs on Coby White and/or the Chicago Bulls recently, you’ve missed the one-and-done UNC Tar Heel blossom into a 20 PPG scorer who is lethal from deep, averaging over 37% from deep each of the past four seasons, if you give him room.

COBY WHITE TOOK OVER IN MILWAUKEE.

35 points.
7 threes.
6 boards.
5 assists.
4 steals.

The @chicagobulls get the road W 😤 pic.twitter.com/btqdEvWjBf

— NBA (@NBA) October 26, 2024

Wolves insider shuts down Coby White rumors

And after reading the Chicago Sun-Times report, it was hard not to start dreaming of what the Minnesota Timberwolves backcourt could look like with a talented 25-year-old White paired next to Anthony Edwards for the next few years.

Unfortunately, if you want to live in that dreamworld this weekend, you might want to stop reading this article, probably want to avoid The Athletic Jon Krawczynski’s X account and DEFINITELY want to stay out of his replies.

On Friday, the veteran Wolves beat writer made it very clear that, not only is a Coby White deal NOT imminent — but Minnesota and Chicago aren’t even actively having conversations about him. Of course, things can change quickly, but Krawczynski had some strong words for those trying to challenge his reporting.

I can tell you that there is absolutely nothing cooking there right now. Could that change down the road? Maybe. He's certainly a name to watch. But nothing percolating yet. https://t.co/Xpx5XsZIHz

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 11, 2025

Maybe it happens down the road, maybe not. For every trade that happens, 100 get talked about that never do. What I’m telling you is what is actually happening RIGHT NOW. It’s a fact that there are no talks going on right now. The trade fairy isn’t coming tonight, buttercup

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 11, 2025

Soooo….. at least for now, don’t wait by Twitter all weekend in hopes that you are going to be the first to see a Coby White to the Minnesota Timberwolves trade go down. At least, not if you trust Jon’s inside sources, which you probably should.

Whether it happens tonight, next week or in the days leading up to the deadline, one thing has become pretty clear. Tim Connelly is going to do something big between now and February 5 at 2 p.m. CT. Until it actually happens, we’ll be here to bring you all of the “maybes”.

While he did what he could to stop the transaction, NBA ownership approved Alex Rodriguez and Marco Lore as the new owners. During that time though, Timberwolves president Tim Connelly was playing a waiting game. Rather than committing to an uncertain future, he operated as a lame duck.

That uncertainty is gone, and there’s no a clear path forward for all involved.

Tim Connelly exercises Minnesota Timberwolves extension

It’s been a busy few days in the business offices across the street from Target Center. First ownership fired dozens of internal employees. Then they made a big swing and brought in a well-decorated CEO. Now Tim Connelly has cemented his desire to continue leading basketball operations.

His contract had an opt-out clause for this summer, meaning he could have exercised the option and become a free agent, making himself perhaps the most sought-after lead executive on the market. Or he could have opted out and negotiated a new contract with the Timberwolves, getting a raise after helping build a team that has reached heights this franchise has never before seen.

Instead, he is opting in on the original five-year deal he signed in 2022. That means he is under contract for two more seasons with the Wolves, team sources told The Athletic. 

The Athletic

As outlined by The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, this shows a level of trust and loyalty from Connelly. Not only did he opt against testing the waters on the open market, but he didn’t seek an opportunity to renegotiate with Minnesota either.

Lore and Rodriguez were integral voices in the hiring of Connelly back in 2022, and they have remained steadfast in their desire to keep him. He responded in kind by sticking with the group that wrote the original contract, and he will play that out before seeking additional compensation.

Back in June, at the end of the season, Connelly seemed to make his intentions clear. “Super happy here. It’s been great, not just working with the team, but this whole community really feels like home. I think you guys are stuck with me.” There really never should have been a doubt from that point forward.

This offseason Connelly has dispersed funds towards a roster that remains relatively unchanged from a Western Conference Finals appearance last year. Naz Reid and Julius Randle are both back on new deals. A significant point guard addition wasn’t made, and Bones Hyland once again got the last roster spot.

Related: New MN Timberwolves Owners Make First Big Hire

Although the consistency could be alarming, it also speaks volumes to the expected growth and development of the team. Chris Finch is now tasked with taking Anthony Edwards to the next level. Minnesota’s superstar must bring everyone along with him.

The path ahead for Connelly and the Timberwolves

As the Timberwolves enter into a season up against salary cap implications, it will be interesting to see how Connelly can continue to make his mark. An additional talent or two to push the team into the NBA Finals at some point may be necessary.

It’s clear this working relationship between Connelly, Lore, and Rodriguez is a symbiotic one though. Ownership knew they had their guy when luring him from Denver. Connelly has produced to heights Timberwolves fans have never consistently seen.

Related: MN Timberwolves Sign Familiar Guard for Final Roster Spot

Now so close to the top, the goal remains the same. Can Connelly, this ownership group, and this team deliver the first NBA Championship to a franchise that has been seeking one since their inception in 1989. The regular season kicks off on October 22 against the Portland Trailblazers. That’s when the marathon begins.

Beringer is a raw talent, but he’s considered by most to have huge upside. After the draft, Wolves general manager Matt Lloyd confirmed that Joan will play on Minnesota’s summer league team next month, which likely means the 7-foot, 240 lb youngster will spend his first professional season in the USA as a member of the Iowa Wolves.

Related: ESPN Expert Crowns Wolves as 1st Round NBA Draft Winner

Of course, the NBA Draft is far from over, especially for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who hold the first overall pick in the second round, which begins Thursday evening at 7 p.m. CDT. So, what do you think Connelly and his front office are doing today, while they wait to go on the clock?

Minnesota Timberwolves trying to trade for future 1st round pick…?

They’re on the phones shopping No. 31 overall, of course, another thing GM Matt Lloyd confirmed late Wednesday night, in his post-draft interview. And what is Minnesota seeking in trade talks, you ask? Well, this is the second year that the NBA Draft has been a two-day event, and that could help increase offers.

Last year, it was the Toronto Raptors who held the first overall pick in the 2nd round. And according to what Minnesota’s GM has been told, the Raptors were taking calls this time last year on offers that included future 1st round picks, something Lloyd seemed excited about possibly happening for the Timberwolves today.

“We were just watching the end of [of the first round]. I’m sure [Tim Connelly] is upstairs right now talking to agents about what the assessment of the draft will be. But there are going to be good players there and I think teams will be [calling].

It’s the second year of the two-day draft. Someone told me last year that ‘Toronto was getting offered future first round picks, dada dadada’. So we’re going to have to kind of line that up and see what the offers are. We may just draft another guy so we just don’t know yet.”

Matt Lloyd – Minnesota Timberwolves GM

Related: Lore, A-Rod Re-Up on Threat to Privately Fund New Timberwolves Arena

Lloyd only confirmed what we already knew during his interview . There is no doubt Tim Connelly is dangling pick No. 31 to teams who might be salivating over 1st round talents who dropped into the 2nd round — guys like Maxime Raynaud (C – Stanford), Rasheer Fleming (F – St. Joe) and Beringer’s fellow Frenchman, Noah Penda.

Why trading No. 31 makes sense for Wolves

This is a great opportunity for a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves, who could probably use future first round draft pick far more than they do a 2nd round project. The Wolves have talented youngsters waiting in the wings at just about every position, up and down the organization, something Lloyd believes will reveal itself during Summer League play.

What the Timberwolves currently do not have, though, is a first round draft pick in 2027. On top of that, Minnesota’s 2026 1st round pick is almost guaranteed to be a late one, thanks to various pick swap scenarios that are impossible to fully understand.

This is the Wolves' 1st round pick swap scenario for next draft (via @RealGM). Any questions…….? 🤕 pic.twitter.com/AlYQkKJhGg

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 26, 2025

Thus, if the Minnesota Timberwolves can trade a future first round pick that isn’t protected by so much red tape that it doesn’t feel real, then I’d imagine Connelly jumps at the opportunity. Unless, of course, he sees one of the remaining talents as players the Wolves can’t pass up on. But those weren’t the vibes coming from their GM last night.

Either way, we will find out soon enough.

It’ll be the extremely “lucky” Dallas Mavericks who go on the clock with pick No. 1 at 7:00 p.m. CDT, tomorrow. They will draft Cooper Flag (Duke). From there, nobody really knows what will happen, but there is an expectation that there could be a lot of activity throughout the lottery, where the Wolves sit just outside of.

But will that remain the case all night? According to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP) Tuesday on the Flagrant Howls podcast (SKOR North), nobody knows the answer to that question.

But 36 hours out, Doogie believes it’s more likely the Timberwolves trade the No. 17 pick Wednesday night, than it is they wind up moving the first pick overall pick in the second round (No. 31 overall) on Thursday, a draft pick Minnesota currently owns, as well.

Minnesota Timberwolves open to another 1st round trade up in NBA Draft?

In fact, Wolfson read off a text to Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad that was sent to him on Monday, from a high-ranking league executive on a team picking “above the Wolves” that revealed Minnesota is not only open-minded to moving down the draft board Wednesday night… but they’re having talks to move up it too.

“Right now, I will tell you it’s more likely they keep 31 compared to 17. I will tell you, on pick 17… In fact, i’ll read it verbatim from a team picking above the Wolves what this person told me on Monday. “[The Timberwolves] are open to moving up or down in the first round.”

That’s the first time I had heard that they were open-minded to moving up. Now, [would I] bet on a scenario where they move up tomorrow night? Probably not, but this is a team that is above the Wolves, that tells me, ‘hey the Wolves have shown some interest in moving up’.”

Darren Wolfson – Flagrant Howls (SKOR North)

Related: Knicks Interviewing Timberwolves Assistant for Vacant Coaching Job

Because the Minnesota Timberwolves have been on the hunt for Kevin Durant, and other final pieces to what they believe is a championship roster, it’s a bit surprising to hear that Tim Connelly may be interested in moving up for another talented young piece, that might not be ready for a big role on this roster immediately.

Would Connelly really trade up… again?

With that being said, just about every big move this PoBO makes shocks the fanbase and most of the basketball world. Since arriving in Minneapolis, Connelly has pulled off blockbuster deals that sent a bevy of recently drafted players out of town for Rudy Gobert. More recently, he sent Karl-Anthony Towns packing for Julius Randle.

Even more relevant, however, was just last NBA Draft. Let’s not forget that Minnesota pulled off arguably the most shocking trade of that night, dealing away a future first round pick to the San Antonio Spurs, in exchange for No. 8 overall, Kentucky PG, Rob Dillingham.

Thus, the most surprising thing that could probably happen tomorrow night would be if Tim Connelly and the Minnesota Timberwolves stood pat and did nothing. Either way, we will have our keyboards ready for whatever does go down on draft night.

Nonetheless, with the ownership situation less than certain, Tim has found himself in somewhat of a limbo with the Wolves too. That uncertainty led to a one-year band-aid extension last offseason, which allowed Connelly to delay his long-term decision to this summer.

But now that the Lore + A-Rod group is set to take over control at the end of this month, it appears Tim Connelly knows his future now as well, even if it is not yet official.

Tim Connelly sticking around as Minnesota Timberwolves PoBO

With the dust now settled from the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Western Conference Finals defeat at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, local reporters have been meeting with players, coaches and team officials.

On Monday, they met with Connelly, who made it clear when asked by Dane Moore about his future, that he is here to stay.

https://t.co/mtYWk76k6w pic.twitter.com/n3iFboiyXm

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) June 2, 2025

“Super happy here, it’s been great. Not just as working with the team, but this whole community, so it really feels like home. Think you guys are stuck with me.”

Tim Connelly – Timberwolves president

Connelly joined the Minnesota Timberwolves prior to the 2022-23 season. Three years (seasons) later, the Wolves are 246-147 (.568 winning percentage) under his management. Across nine seasons in Denver, Connelly’s Nuggets never won 56 games, like the Wolves did in 2023-24.

This season’s 49-win Timberwolves team was outdone In fact, the 2018-19 Nuggets — which won 54 games — were the only Connelly-run Denver team to win more than this year’s 49-win Wolves. In other words, I think the move has worked out okay for Tim, too.

Related: Marc Lore, A-Rod Expected to Take Over Timberwolves Soon, New Arena Plans Coming…

Obviously Rodriguez and Lore are both fans of Connelly, having brought him to Minnesota. From the sounds of it, his decision to stay would not have been as cut and dry, had Glen Taylor remained in control of the organization. Instead, we’ll likely see a long-term extension come in short order.

Roster decisions loom for Connelly’s Timberwolves

Tim Connelly has swung a couple of the biggest trades in Minnesota Timberwolves history. He started during his first offseason at the control panel, when he traded away most of the Wolves’ future draft picks for Rudy Gobert.

Then last offseason, he outdid the Gobert blockbuster by trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks, mostly due to financial implications, with his massive super-max contract looming. Can we expect another blockbuster this offseason? Here’s what Connelly had to say about that…

Asked Tim Connelly about the financial restructuring the Wolves have undergone over the last season to create financial flexibility.

In September, Connelly traded KAT's 4-year, $220.4M contract for the final 2 years and $64M remaining on Julius Randle's contract and the 3 years… pic.twitter.com/BzirdDowZB

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) June 2, 2025

“The relatively new CBA we were, like all of the teams, kind of learning on the fly. Some of those deals that were on the books were done prior to the new ratification of the CBA. Last year was the first year we kind of tried to transact in that second apron and it was really challenging. You try to win, and also try to allow yourself to build sustainable winners. I think all of those things were done in unison. Fingers crossed, our ability to be a little bit more flexible financially could serve us well this offseason.”

Tim Connelly – Timberwolves president

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a few key players that need to make decisions for their future, this offseason. Naz Reid has a player option and he is in line for a payday. Julius Randle also has a player option of his own. Meanwhile, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is due for unrestricted free agency.

Related: Karl Anthony Towns’ New Teammates Turn on Him After Playoff Exit

How big of a deal was Wednesday’s win? Well, the MN Timberwolves have advanced beyond the first round of the NBA Playoffs just three times during its 36 years of NBA existence, and that now includes two straight first round wins.

Last spring/summer, the Wolves advanced all the way to the West Finals. This year, they now wait for the winner of Warriors vs Rockets (GS leads 3-2), who play game six of their round one matchup on Friday night. Of course, this team looks a bit different than that West Finals team that lost to Dallas last year.

Just before the start of the training camp, Wolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly made the extremely difficult decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns, amid luxury tax concerns.

While it took a while for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to find their footing in Minnesota’s new-look rotation, Connelly looks like a genius after the LA series, where both guys played a crucial role in the Wolves’ defeating the Lakers.

Tim Connelly speaks on his future with the Minnesota Timberwolves

No matter how this run ends, the Wolves have a lot of questions that need answered this offseason. Randle has a player option that will dictate a lot of their roster decisions. But the biggest contract controversy hanging over the franchise this offseason is actually Tim Connelly’s.

He signed a one-year extension last offseason, that pushed his decision one more year into the future. This year, he’s expected to make a longer-term decision. Now that the ownership controversy is mostly settled, what will one of the most coveted front office executives in the league going to do?

Well, if you take Tim at his word… he isn’t going anywhere. At least, that’s what he told KFAN’s Dan Barreiro on Thursday afternoon, after the Minnesota Timberwolves won their series vs the Lakers.

Tim Connelly on rumors of him going to other teams after this season:

“There is no truth to any of those things. I could not be happier. Working with unbelievably great people, from the players, the coaches, and the ownership. Alex, Marc, Glen, Becky — everyone's been… pic.twitter.com/pyJ8ZtXnlv

— Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) May 1, 2025

“There is no truth to any of those things. I could not be happier. Working with unbelievably great people, from the players, the coaches, and the ownership. Alex, Marc, Glen, Becky — everyone’s been fantastic. We are very, very happy where we are.”

Tim Connelly – KFAN Radio

Related: What We Learned About the MN Timberwolves in Series Clinching Win Over Lakers

Obviously, it wouldn’t be in Connelly’s best interest to publicly state during a playoff run that he has wandering eyes. However, his willingness to publicly go on the record and bluntly say that there “is no truth to any of those rumors” does speak volumes.

He could have weaseled his way through that answer without declaring so bluntly that he wants to stay. In all reality, It’s unlikely Tim Connelly would find another opportunity out there with a superstar building block like Anthony Edwards.

Timberwolves await next challenger

As the Minnesota Timberwolves transition into a new ownership regime, keeping Connelly onboard is key to reaching the main objective of winning an NBA Finals Larry O’Brien Trophy. Then, this offseason, with so much in flux, there’s nobody better to see it through than Tim.

Related: NBA Insiders: JJ Redick Was Not Ready for the Moment vs Timberwolves

If the Wolves can land Golden State, it would have all the storylines, but it might be the worst matchup possible, even with home court. Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green easily provide the toughest test Minnesota has seen thus far in the playoffs.

Houston finished with a 52-30 record this season, but their stars are younger and they’ve gotten it done with a deep bench, much like what the Timberwolves have. Either way, however, you have to like the Timberwolves’ chances after what they showed in round one.

Let’s fast-forward, though. Because if we look beyond the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot of questions to answer this offseason.

Timberwolves have decisions to make this offseason… inside the front office

Short of a run to the NBA Finals, it’ll be difficult for Wolves president Tim Connelly to convince new owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez that this Timberwolves roster — which is due to return its most expensive players next season if Julius Randle opts into his player option — is worth a $90+ million luxury tax bill.

The questions do not stop at the 2025-26 roster and future luxury tax payments, though. Connelly, himself, has an option in his contract that needs to be addressed before he controls anything to do with the future of the Minnesota Timberwolves organization.

That’s where the Denver Nuggets come into the picture. Remember, Tim was working as PoBO in Denver three years ago, when Lore and A-Rod saw an opportunity to swoop in and sway arguably the most underpaid head decision-maker in basketball to leave Colorado for a hefty payday in Minnesota.

After the Nuggets fired both their head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth Wednesday, Denver ownership seems to have gained a new respect for what Tim Connelly did, running a drama-free show in that went nuclear once he left.

Denver Nuggets want to take Tim Connelly back from Minnesota Timberwolves?

So with Connelly’s contract up this offseason with the Timberwolves, his old team is reportedly planning to make a run at bringing him back out west. Of course, there was a reason why Lore and A-Rod targeted Connelly in the first place. Thus, according to this morning’s reporting by Sam Amick and Tony Jones (The Athletic) Lore and A-Rod aren’t about to let their guy slip away that easy.

League sources expect there to be discussions about a possible reunion [in Denver] with Tim Connelly, the former Nuggets general manager who drafted Jokić and whose departure to the Minnesota Timberwolves in May 2022 led to Booth’s promotion from his assistant general manager role.

While Connelly has an opt-out in his contract for this summer, it’s widely believed that Timberwolves owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore will do what it takes to retain him. League sources say Connelly’s right-hand man in Minnesota, general manager Matt Lloyd, is expected to receive consideration for the Nuggets job as well.

The Athletic

Now, could this report wind up being nothing more than a bullet point in Connelly’s presentation to the Wolves this offseason, during contract negotiations? It’s very possible. But if there is any organization that could reel Tim away from the Wolves, it’s probably his former team.

MN Timberwolves playing in must-win game Thursday night

The Minnesota Timberwolves had been playing well, recently, and entered their last game against the Milwaukee Bucks as winners of four-straight. Up by more than 20 points in the fourth quarter, it felt like they were on their way to an easy fifth-straight win.

Then, they were outscored 40-13 in that final period, ultimately falling 103-110 at Fiserv Arena. Tonight, they get back on the horse in Memphis vs the Grizzlies, another West team battling for playoff position against Minnesota and Denver. It’s without a doubt one of the most important regular season games in recent Timberwolves history.

Related: Confirmed: Timberwolves’ Trade Interest in NBA Superstar is Mutual

But no matter what happens on the court Thursday, the Wolves won’t be down as bad as the Grizzlies — whose only superstar can’t stay out of trouble — or their Northwest Division rival Nuggets, who just a week before the playoffs are set to start, fired their head coach and general manager on Wednesday.

The Wolves’ lack of action last week before the deadline was not due a lack of motivation. The problem with moving anyone of significance had more to do with this roster’s poor combination of aging big man talent (Randle + Gobert) and their difficult-to-move contracts.

President of basketball operations Tim Connelly still did his best to make a third blockbuster deal of his still-young tenure in Minnesota happen. In fact, after the trade deadline passed, reports surfaced that before negotiations fell through, the Wolves had discussed what would have been an absolutely massive trade with the Phoenix Suns that would have landed Kevin Durant in the Twin Cities.

How close did Minnesota Timberwolves get to landing Kevin Durant?

How far down the negotiating rabbit hole did the Wolves and Suns really get, though? According to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP) on the most recent episode of Mackey & Judd (SKOR North), they never got all that close to actually inking the deal.

I guess that opinion is in the eye of the beholder, however, because the two luxury tax burdened NBA organizations got far enough into Durant trade talks that the Wolves started scrambling their salary cap experts to see what it would take to convert Jaylen Clark’s two-way contract into a standard NBA contract.

Why? According to Doogie (below), the Wolves would have needed Clark on a standard contract, in order to legally facilitate a possible deal for KD. And while deadline negotiations for Durant eventually fell through, Doogie says “we know” the Minnesota Timberwolves will continue their pursuit of Kevin Durant this offseason.

“I don’t sense [talks between the Suns and Wolves] ever got remotely close. But here’s what’s interesting. The Wolves, behind the scenes, were doing all sorts of due diligence thinking, planning as if they were going to land Kevin Durant. So multiple players were going to be moved from here.

It got as far as dialogue about converting Jaylen Clark’s two-way contract to a standard deal, to get up to the number of players you need on standard NBA contracts. So the Wolves were doing all sorts of work behind the scenes anticipating they were going to land KD.

Bottom line, we know this summer, especially now with Tim Connelly — I’m telling you, I would be shocked if he goes elsewhere [now that Lore and A-Rod won arbitration] — with this front office in place, the Wolves are going to continue their pursuit of Kevin Durant, come this summer.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

On Monday, we finally got our long awaited answer to questions regarding the Minnesota Timberwolves future ownership. Unless blocked by the NBA Board of Governors — they need 23 of 30 owners (>75%) to approve their majority purchase — Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez will soon become the majority owners of the Wolves and Lynx franchises.

Durant to Minnesota inevitable…?

Will the change in ownership increase or decrease the likelihood of landing Kevin Durant this offseason? It helps their chances, without a doubt. Why? Well first, it’s worth noting that a trade for KD wouldn’t involve extra salary, being the Timberwolves cannot complete trades that bring in more money.

Report: Mavs Engaged Timberwolves in Luka Doncic Trade Talks

But most of all, we know that Lore and A-Rod are going to want to have a splashy offseason full of positive headlines. Finding a way to drop Randle form the roster, in exchange for Durant would light the fanbase on fire before the start of the 2026 season.

All NBA insiders have already acknowledged that the Suns plan to move KD this offseason, so it’s just a matter of whether or not the Minnesota Timberwolves provide a package to the Suns’ liking and Durant wants to come play with his little bro, Anthony Edwards.

It’s a big 2024-25 season for a lot of people inside the Wolves organization. Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert and Ant are all getting very expensive. According to Spotrac, Minnesota is projected to pay a $105 million luxury tax bill, at the end of next season, the second highest in the NBA.

Glen Taylor has already agreed to pay whatever it takes this season, and so has prospective majority owner, Marc Lore. But those tones will change if the Wolves begin to struggle.

Speaking of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ ongoing ownership war, which is now expected to bleed deep into the 2024-25 NBA season, an interesting report dropped out of Miami, recently.

Anthony Edwards tied to Tim Connelly… and A-Rod?

It’s no secret that Timberwolves well-respected and very popular president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, was originally brought in by Marc Lore, and to a lesser extent, Alex Rodriguez. Without those two originally agreeing to purchase the franchise, Connelly is not in Minnesota.

But according to what well-known radio show host and former ESPN personality, Dan LeBatard, is being told, Anthony Edwards could be tied to Tim Connelly, thus Lore and A-Rod, too…

“I have partial information on something that will be explosive if it happens and I’m just gonna set you up for something here that is speculative, right now, but it is something to keep an eye on. Glen Taylor is the owner of the Timberwolves and I don’t think anyone considers him a good owner. He sold the team to Alex Rodriguez.

There’s an arbitration coming up, in which we’re going to find out who gets that team. Is it gonna be Glen Taylor or is it gonna be A-Rod, and this is what you need to watch out for. OK. If Glen Taylor keeps the team, what’s going to happen, after that, is they’re gonna lose their team president, Tim Connelly.

He’s gonna leave because he signed a long term deal, with the A-Rod team and I think it’s contingent, I believe, on A-Rod being the owner. Everybody thought A-Rod was going to be the owner of that team. If Tim Connelly leaves, the next step on that is Anthony Edwards possibly wanting to leave with him, and requesting a trade to Miami.”

Dan LeBatard – The Dan LeBatard Show

For those of us who are well-versed in the last two years of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball, and the ownership fiasco that has taken place over the last six -8 months, this clip gets difficult to listen to. There is so much information in LeBatard’s rant that is just, flatly, false, that you can’t take it seriously.

LeBatard rant on Anthony Edwards + Miami Heat trade rumors has lots of intrigue… few facts

Tim Connelly is a Marc Lore guy, not an A-Rod guy. At least, that’s what local media has been peddling since Tim was hired. LeBatard seems to think Rodriguez is buying majority ownership of the Wolves. He is not.

Marc Lore & Tim Connelly celebrate a big win in Game 3 pic.twitter.com/nJwj1jLFr5

— Pierre Noujaim (@TheNoujFOX9) April 27, 2024

A-Rod is a minority partner to Marc Lore, who would be the sole majority owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves, if he wins his arbitration case vs Glen Taylor, then gets voted in by the NBA owners he hopes to join. Neither of those things is a given.

This independent arbitration date that is ‘coming up’ isn’t happening until December, at the earliest. LeBatard says that Connelly “signed a long-term deal with A-Rod”, but he didn’t. His contract had an out clause in it that the president of basketball operations opted out of this offseason.

Related: Steph Curry Pokes The Bear (Anthony Edwards) With Olympic Trash Talk

Then, Tim signed a new deal (with a raise) written up by Glen Taylor’s people, which gives him another opt out next offseason. So, Connelly staying in Minnesota is not contractually contingent on Lore being the majority owner, let alone A-Rod, who won’t hold that title, even if the deal does go through.

Yes, it is possible Connelly leaves the Timberwolves, if his guy Marc Lore (not A-Rod) loses the ownership battle. But it’s not guaranteed. Much of that decision would come down to money. Taylor will pay whatever, if he sees it as important to winning. He’s proven that.

But would he foot the bill for what might be the most expensive basketball operations contract in the NBA? That could be what it will cost to keep Tim Connelly around.

Edwards was with Minnesota Timberwolves before Connelly and A-Rod

But even if Tim Connelly leaves, there has been ABSOLUTELY zero reporting that Anthony Edwards is, in any way, tied to him, in that way. Remember, Edwards got here two years before Connelly did, and he was drafted by Gersson Rosas. In no way is there a logical “if he leaves, I leave” connection between the two.

But it is easy to connect the dots on where this report is likely coming from. The same name that LeBatard said in the clip about 371 times: “A-Rod, A-Rod, A-Rod”. Rodriguez and LeBatard have been growing tighter and tighter in recent years. Both have lots of ties to the Miami area, too.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves 2024-25 Over/Under Win Total is Set

It wouldn’t surprise me if this all came from a direct conversation between Le Batard and A-Rod. It sure sounds that way, to me. No matter, I feel pretty comfortable saying that Anthony Edwards will be here, for at least the next 3-5 years.

From there, it’s the NBA, so anything can happen. But Ant has made it clear he isn’t after the bright lights of New York or Hollywood. And he isn’t he up at night thinking about the beach or nightlife in Miami, either.

As long as Edwards can compete for NBA titles with the Minnesota Timberwolves, I expect him to stick around, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Derek Falvey and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah join Tim Connelly in Minnesota Timberwolves draft room

Despite being arguably the most successful president of basketball operations that the Minnesota Timberwolves have ever had, Tim Connelly doesn’t operate with a ‘smartest man in the room’ complex. He’s known for his ability to value, and appreciate informed opinions, where he can get them.

That’s why he invited Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Minnesota Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey to join him and the Wolves draft team, in their 2024 war room.

Tim Connelly brought in Kwesi Odofo-Mensah & Derek Falvey to pick their brains on doing a multi day draft.

Falvey just told us it was his first time sitting in a draft room for another sport. Says it was wild to see how fast Tim’s brain was working during the draft.

— Pierre Noujaim (@TheNoujFOX9) June 27, 2024

While neither Falvey or Adofo-Mensah have intimate knowledge of NBA Draft prospects, they do think analytically and have an understanding of valuations. Not only that, but this was the first year that the
NBA used a two-day draft process, another major reason why he wanted them in the room.

The Vikings traded up twice during their recent draft, and while draft trades aren’t straightforward for Major League Baseball, Falvey understands how Sean Johnson (vice president of amateur scouting) evaluates potential picks.

A front row seat to the Minnesota Timberwolves madness

The way in which an NBA Draft works is substantially different than either the NFL or MLB. Tim Connelly had significantly less time to operate between picks, and his sport encompasses the full process in just two rounds. With the NFL going seven rounds and MLB being spread across 20, each sport is a different animal.

Best frontcourt in the NBA ✅
Best backcourt in the NBA 🔜#Timberwolves president Tim Connelly on the additions of Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. in the first round of the #NBADraft #RaisedByWolves | #NBA pic.twitter.com/3RoFyLB4z6

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) June 27, 2024

Falvey noted it was “wild” to see how fast Connelly’s brain was working. The Major League Baseball Amateur Draft is largely a groupthink process that Falvey overseas, but differs to Johnson and those he has in place to make such decisions.

Despite having just the 27th overall pick last night, Connelly was able to trade into the top ten and land Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham with the 8th overall selection. He also held onto his 27th overall pick and grabbed Terrence Shannon Jr. Adofo-Mensah has experience moving around the draft, and could have been consulted on the value proposition of acting in such a manner. For Falvey, the maneuvering had to be a wild process to see up close.

Related: Confirmed: Rob Dillingham Will Get Run with Timberwolves Immediately

The trio working together is a pretty significant advancement in the world of cross-sport collaboration. With the Twins currently successful, and Vikings transitioning into a new era, all three local teams being on the precipice of something special is plenty exciting. It remains to be seen if this becomes some sort of standard practice going forward, but more knowledge and potential ideas from smart people is hardly ever a bad thing.