As Glen Taylor and Alex Rodriguez clash over the ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the potential ripple effects could be more significant than anticipated.
On his podcast, Dan Le Batard reports, “If Taylor retains the team, the likely outcome is that they will lose their team president, Tim Connelly.”
Le Batard explains further, “Connelly will likely leave because he signed a long-term deal contingent on Rodriguez becoming the owner. Many assumed Rodriguez would eventually take over ownership.”
Le Batard also suggests that if Connelly departs, the next possible consequence could be Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards requesting a trade.
The ongoing ownership dispute within the Timberwolves could have major consequences, as Le Batard hints. Whether it leads to Connelly and Anthony Edwards leaving the team remains uncertain, but the idea isn’t outlandish. Taylor, now 83, has a reputation as one of the worst owners in major sports, especially in the NBA. Since Taylor took majority ownership in 1994, the Timberwolves have a record of 1,042-1,342, including a 13-year playoff drought from 2005 to 2017, the third-longest in NBA history.
While coaches and players are often blamed for a team’s performance, it is the owner’s responsibility to hire the right executives. These executives then hire coaches and acquire players, often with the owner’s input. Therefore, the Timberwolves’ struggles can be traced back to Taylor’s leadership.
If Connelly remains with the Timberwolves even if Taylor keeps ownership, the situation could change. Connelly, who built the Denver Nuggets’ championship core and now has the Timberwolves as regular playoff contenders, has earned a reputation as one of the top decision-makers in sports. Players like Edwards would likely trust him.
If Connelly were to leave, the Timberwolves might attempt to hire someone of his caliber or better. Potential candidates like Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst or Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr could be considered. However, relying on such possibilities might not be as attractive to Edwards as requesting a trade. As a rising NBA star, Edwards would likely have numerous teams interested in acquiring him.
Regarding a potential move, Edwards, due to his youth and confidence, may decide to stay with the Timberwolves. He is the face of the franchise and might be determined to lead the team to a championship, even if Connelly leaves and Taylor remains as owner.
Nonetheless, the allure of the Miami Heat is strong. In recent seasons, several stars have attempted to join the Heat, including Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, and DeMar DeRozan. Although Miami missed out on those players, if Edwards expressed interest in playing for the Heat, their president, Pat Riley, might go to great lengths to make it happen. A Big Three of Edwards, Bam Adebayo, and Jimmy Butler could be the best Miami has had since the days of the “Heatles.”
With Edwards, Adebayo, and Butler leading the way, the Heat could potentially win their first championship since 2013, allowing Riley to retire on a high note. All of this could unfold because Taylor was reluctant to relinquish control of the Timberwolves as they started to find success.
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