All Things 2025-2026 Minnesota Timberwolves In-Season Thread

[kg21]

Even after two (2) straight WCF's, it appears they need to start an honest conversation about finding a new coach. Malone is mentioned often but he lost the locker room in DEN and was fired last year during the season.

I'm sure Nori would get plenty of consideration but he's a big part of this current locker room. I'd like to see them look outside the organization if a change is made but there aren't many obvious candidates. Sam Cassell would be an interesting option.

Malone has expectations. He was in Denver for 10 years. It was time in Denver.

I can't see Malone putting up with the lazy schit that we see now.

 

[From the Parkinglot]

Why is it on the coach to motivate the players? You are being paid millions of dollars to play basketball. To me this is on the GM and knowing what’s going on in the locker room. It’s clear changes need to be made and they need big changes. Randle can go, NAZ can go.

Also when you have a coach that won’t play young players what’s the point of having all the young players the wolves have had. Just seems like there is never an effort to see what the wolves have in young players.

 

[kg21]

Why is it on the coach to motivate the players? You are being paid millions of dollars to play basketball. To me this is on the GM and knowing what’s going on in the locker room. It’s clear changes need to be made and they need big changes. Randle can go, NAZ can go.

Also when you have a coach that won’t play young players what’s the point of having all the young players the wolves have had. Just seems like there is never an effort to see what the wolves have in young players.

Sitting their azzez would be great motivation.

You just answered your own question......he won't play younger players and develop them. He leaves the lazy ones on the floor at almost all times.

for example, if Jaden wants to pout........sit his lame azz.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Jaden either another stellar first half

14 minutes
2 points
1 board

Remember these Jaden games when people say he is untouchable in any trades. He can mope around the court and give no effort with the best of them.

His final tally for today’s exploits -

28 minutes
2 points
2 boards

If you can make him the keystone to trade for Giannis, you do it immediately and thank your lucky stars.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Why is it on the coach to motivate the players?

Because players are human beings and not machines and susceptible to same foibles we all are - most human beings in my experience, are rarely honest with themselves/can have an objective perspective on their performance in any endeavor.

You are being paid millions of dollars to play basketball.

Human nature is human nature, especially when guaranteed contracts are in play and it’s easier to just show up and play, than be committed to improving and maximizing your ability, by going hard in practice every day and in the offseason.

That’s why Kobe is spoken with so much reverence by players in the league, because of his commitment to it.

To me this is on the GM and knowing what’s going on in the locker room.

So it’s the gms job to manage the team as well

It’s clear changes need to be made and they need big changes. Randle can go, NAZ can go.

Why not Finch?

Also when you have a coach that won’t play young players what’s the point of having all the young players the wolves have had. Just seems like there is never an effort to see what the wolves have in young players.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Even after two (2) straight WCF's, it appears they need to start an honest conversation about finding a new coach.

Welcome - you’ve seen the light my brother.

Malone is mentioned often but he lost the locker room in DEN and was fired last year during the season.

I would say Rudy calling out Finch in the media is Finch losing the locker room.

Almost all coaches have an expiration date where they lose their effectiveness. First off, IIRC it was a power struggle between the GM and Malone thst cost him his job and they basically had stopped speaking to each other at the end.

Even if your premise is correct, he won a chip, I’ll ride with that.

I'm sure Nori would get plenty of consideration but he's a big part of this current locker room.

I want Malone because he’s a big believer in accountability and if you promote from within, it’s going to be the same BS.

I'd like to see them look outside the organization if a change is made but there aren't many obvious candidates. Sam Cassell would be an interesting option.

 

[fan of Ray Williams]

Back at it today against Atlanta. Everyone should be rested because there wasn’t much effort against the Clippers.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Malone has expectations. He was in Denver for 10 years. It was time in Denver.

I can't see Malone putting up with the lazy schit that we see now.

My man

 

[jamiche]

It appears that Finch has lost the locker room. However, I don't think he's going to get fired at this point because I think he has a lot of term left on his extension and these new owners are very cost conscious. (Connelly had to do a lot of cap maneuvering to get the ok to bring in Ayo according to Johnny K.)

I think Julius and, possibly, Rudy are gone this summer. Connelly lacks the draft capital to do anything really big this summer. He used it all up on Rudy plus bringing in then sending out Dilly.

 

[kg21]

Back at it today against Atlanta. Everyone should be rested because there wasn’t much effort against the Clippers.

NAW gonna go off tonight?

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

It appears that Finch has lost the locker room. However, I don't think he's going to get fired at this point because I think he has a lot of term left on his extension and these new owners are very cost conscious.

Per Chat GPT, this is what he has left. If you have a source which specifies he has more than two years left after this season, feel free to provide the link-

• Chris Finch signed a **four‑year contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves in June 2024, keeping him under contract through the 2027‑28 NBA season. The team and ESPN sources confirmed the deal runs four seasons from that point.

(Connelly had to do a lot of cap maneuvering to get the ok to bring in Ayo according to Johnny K.)

Thst wasn’t mentioned in the article he wrote about the trade in the Athletic. If you have a link that illustrates your point , feel free to provide it

Why Timberwolves’ Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit fizzled, and the pivot to Ayo Dosunmu

After exploring a potential blockbuster for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Timberwolves instead found a way to bolster their bench.

www.nytimes.com

I think Julius and, possibly, Rudy are gone this summer. Connelly lacks the draft capital to do anything really big this summer. He used it all up on Rudy plus bringing in then sending out Dilly.

 

[jamiche]

Per Chat GPT, this is what he has left. If you have a source which specifies he has more than two years left after this season, feel free to provide the link-

• Chris Finch signed a **four‑year contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves in June 2024, keeping him under contract through the 2027‑28 NBA season. The team and ESPN sources confirmed the deal runs four seasons from that point.

Thst wasn’t mentioned in the article he wrote about the trade in the Athletic. If you have a link that illustrates your point , feel free to provide it

Why Timberwolves’ Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit fizzled, and the pivot to Ayo Dosunmu

After exploring a potential blockbuster for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Timberwolves instead found a way to bolster their bench.

www.nytimes.com

My mistake on Johnny K. It was Jace Frederick of the Pioneer Press. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think these guys are going to pay Finch for about two and a third seasons not to coach. They laid off 10% of the employees on the business side last summer and they raised season ticket prices with absolutely no fear. They are running it like hundred millionaires, not billionaires.

In most cases owners make money through franchise appreciation and player tax depreciation. Unless you are an NFL owner and can print money, annual profits are secondary. I don't know if these guys are set up to sustain operating losses.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

My mistake on Johnny K. It was Jace Frederick of the Pioneer Press. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think these guys are going to pay Finch for about two and a third seasons not to coach. They laid off 10% of the employees on the business side last summer and they raised season ticket prices with absolutely no fear. They are running it like hundred millionaires, not billionaires.

All which was required to acquire Ayo was to get rid of MN Mike to get under the second apron; per Jon K. They were seriously considering the machinations involved to acquire Giannis.

Finch has two years left after this season, per my previous post. They’re likely not going to let him go into the last season without extending him in the prior offseason, as he’s a lame then. So you either fire him this year or next offseason.

In most cases owners make money through franchise appreciation and player tax depreciation. Unless you are an NFL owner and can print money, annual profits are secondary. I don't know if these guys are set up to sustain operating losses.

I doubt having to pay a year or two extra for Finch would dissuade them from making a change

I was in two companies, one a billion dollar firm and the other a boutique company which were acquired.
In both cases there was a headcount reduction - cutting costs after an acquisition is pro forma, and this is the norm in my experience and not an aberration - A new broom sweeps clean.

I highly doubt that the NBA would have approved their purchase unless they comfortably passed a financial means test; which are apparently rigorous as they are for all for major sports leagues; which is likely why you never hear is an owner going bankrupt or defaulting on their debt.

IiRC Trump wasn’t qualified to own an NFL team due to under capitalization and that’s why he ended up in the USFL.

 

[Slim Tubby]

All which was required to acquire Ayo was to get rid of MN Mike to get under the second apron; per Jon K. They were seriously considering the machinations involved to acquire Giannis.

Finch has two years left after this season, per my previous post. They’re likely not going to let him go into the last season without extending him in the prior offseason, as he’s a lame then. So you either fire him this year or next offseason.



I doubt having to pay a year or two extra for Finch would dissuade them from making a change

I was in two companies, one a billion dollar firm and the other a boutique company which were acquired.
In both cases there was a headcount reduction - cutting costs after an acquisition is pro forma, and this is the norm in my experience and not an aberration - A new broom sweeps clean.

I highly doubt that the NBA would have approved their purchase unless they comfortably passed a financial means test; which are apparently rigorous as they are for all for major sports leagues; which is likely why you never hear is an owner going bankrupt or defaulting on their debt.

IiRC Trump wasn’t qualified to own an NFL team due to under capitalization and that’s why he ended up in the USFL.

The Lore/Arod ownership group practically doubled their investment overnight. The agreed upon purchase price of the team with Taylor was $1.7 billion and by the time the court battles were settled and the sale was finalized, the Wolves' were valued at $3.1 billion.

I don't think they're hurting for operating capital but we'll see if that equates to paying future luxury taxes for the roster.

 

[jamiche]

All which was required to acquire Ayo was to get rid of MN Mike to get under the second apron; per Jon K. They were seriously considering the machinations involved to acquire Giannis.

Finch has two years left after this season, per my previous post. They’re likely not going to let him go into the last season without extending him in the prior offseason, as he’s a lame then. So you either fire him this year or next offseason.



I doubt having to pay a year or two extra for Finch would dissuade them from making a change

I was in two companies, one a billion dollar firm and the other a boutique company which were acquired.
In both cases there was a headcount reduction - cutting costs after an acquisition is pro forma, and this is the norm in my experience and not an aberration - A new broom sweeps clean.

I highly doubt that the NBA would have approved their purchase unless they comfortably passed a financial means test; which are apparently rigorous as they are for all for major sports leagues; which is likely why you never hear is an owner going bankrupt or defaulting on their debt.

IiRC Trump wasn’t qualified to own an NFL team due to under capitalization and that’s why he ended up in the USFL.

I don't know the details of Trump and the Bills but what you are saying doesn't surprise me.

I consulted GoogleAI and the recent sports bankruptcies include Tom Hicks (Texas Rangers), Frank McCourt (Dodgers) and the guy who owned the Phoenix Coyotes. Professional franchises are so expensive to purchase and own that you can't just be a one or two billionaire to operate one. That's how the Pohlads got in so much debt owning the Twins. All their other businesses ran into trouble (mostly comm'l real estate) and they piled the debt on the ball club. They aren't worth all that much compared to other owners and they aren't very liquid apparently. They are running the team like broke ass owners. Mark Cuban said part of the reason he sold was he viewed himself as middle class compared to other owners.
In terms of Lore/ARod, I spent most of my career self employed and a substantial amount of my work was transactional. When you do that kind of work you develop a pretty good sense of who has real money and who doesn't. These guys should not have had to work so hard to come up with the cash to close a deal worth at least twice what they were paying for it. We also know Alex is a liar. Are they super wealthy? Yes. Are they NBA wealthy? Nope. That means every dollar operating the club is going to count because they may not have the self funded or bank loaned operating capital to cover deficits.

I don't know why they were approved by the NBA.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

I don't know the details of Trump and the Bills but what you are saying doesn't surprise me.

I consulted GoogleAI and the recent sports bankruptcies include Tom Hicks (Texas Rangers), Frank McCourt (Dodgers) and the guy who owned the Phoenix Coyotes.

Your examples are all 20+ years old .

One man’s recent is another man’s not so recent and of course, you had to research it as well.

Professional franchises are so expensive to purchase and own that you can't just be a one or two billionaire to operate one. That's how the Pohlads got in so much debt owning the Twins.

They’re apparently with $3.8B. Per Forbes.

All their other businesses ran into trouble (mostly comm'l real estate) and they piled the debt on the ball club.

That’s not a sound business practice, just like having Joe run the team wasn’t either.

They aren't worth all that much compared to other owners and they aren't very liquid apparently. They are running the team like broke ass owners. Mark Cuban said part of the reason he sold was he viewed himself as middle class compared to other owners.

Paragraphs are you friend.

In terms of Lore/ARod, I spent most of my career self employed and a substantial amount of my work was transactional.

You could have been a computer consultant or owned a small lawn scrapping company, so .

There’s certainly nothing wrong with the latter, but there is a difference in the $ amount involved
and sophistication of the transaction.

Working in corporate sales, as I did, is as transactional as it gets, as you sing for your supper.

When you do that kind of work you develop a pretty good sense of who has real money and who doesn't. These guys should not have had to work so hard to come up with the cash to close a deal worth at least twice what they were paying for it. We also know Alex is a liar.

Many people are in my business experience.

Are they super wealthy? Yes. Are they NBA wealthy? Nope. That means every dollar operating the club is going to count because they may not have the self funded or bank loaned operating capital to cover deficits.

Per Slim, post, they’ve already increased the value of their purchase, so that seemingly gives them some financial flexibility.

I don't know why they were approved by the NBA.

Because they were able to pass a financial means test.

We all get you don’t like them, but maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Being hands on, may make them better owners than for those who franchise is just an expensive toy.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Good article by Jon K regarding the state of the Wolves as they limp into the AS break.

He’s far more optimistic than me, big my dislike of Finch could be bias my judgement.

Julius Randle’s in a funk, Anthony Edwards needs rest and more Timberwolves thoughts

Minnesota looks disconnected and discombobulated. What's gone wrong, and can it be fixed before the playoffs?

www.nytimes.com

 

[jamiche]

Your examples are all 20+ years old .

One man’s recent is another man’s not so recent and of course, you had to research it as well.


They’re apparently with $3.8B. Per Forbes.

That’s not a sound business practice, just like having Joe run the team wasn’t either.


Paragraphs are you friend.


You could have been a computer consultant or owned a small lawn scrapping company, so .

There’s certainly nothing wrong with the latter, but there is a difference in the $ amount involved
and sophistication of the transaction.

Working in corporate sales, as I did, is as transactional as it gets, as you sing for your supper.


Many people are in my business experience.

Per Slim, post, they’ve already increased the value of their purchase, so that seemingly gives them some financial flexibility.

Because they were able to pass a financial means test.

We all get you don’t like them, but maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Being hands on, may make them better owners than for those who franchise is just an expensive toy.

 

[jamiche]

Yup. I don't trust those guys. You do. You think Finch is a lousy coach. I disagree. Neither one of us is going to change those situations.
You didn't attach a timeline to the claim that there are no bankruptcies in prof sports. The three I cited were in the last 17 years.
There's liquid net worth and total wealth. Both are important. At the time of the purchase Lore's liquidity was reported to be $600M and his total net worth was reportedly $3.8B. The rest of his net worth was tied up in restricted stock and start ups. ARod's liquidity was reportedly $150M with a net worth of $350-400M. That perfectly written article in the Purchase and Sale Agreement saved them. They didn't have the money on the deadline date but they had the rest of their paperwork into the league. The language in the contract bought them an extra 45 days to get the money. They had better lawyers than Taylor.
I don't know anything about computer consulting. I have no idea what lawn scrapping is. I do know that nobody should ever pay me to go near their lawn.
I too sang for my supper early on and learned a helluva lot. It was fun. Eventually, I started providing supper. Also fun, but in a different way.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

Yup. I don't trust those guys. You do. You think Finch is a lousy coach. I disagree. Neither one of us is going to change those situations.
You didn't attach a timeline to the claim that there are no bankruptcies in prof sports.

You used the word “recent” in your reply - that’s what u replied to.

The three I cited were in the last 17 years.

???? The date it was acquired by new ownership is not the date of the financial issue. Chat GPT includes the source they are citing.

Phoenix Coyotes (NHL, 2009)

• The NHL franchise (originally the Winnipeg Jets) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009 after years of losses in Phoenix. The NHL eventually took control and sold the team. Cited Wikipedia.

Texas Rangers (MLB, 2010)

• Filed for bankruptcy amid owner Tom Hicks’ financial default. The team was sold at court auction later that year. Cited CNBC

Dodgers Bankruptcy (2011–2012)

Chapter 11 Filing:

• In June 2011, the Los Angeles Dodgers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. Cited by CNBC

There's liquid net worth and total wealth. Both are important. At the time of the purchase Lore's liquidity was reported to be $600M and his total net worth was reportedly $3.8B. The rest of his net worth was tied up in restricted stock and start ups. ARod's liquidity was reportedly $150M with a net worth of $350-400M. That perfectly written article in the Purchase and Sale Agreement saved them. They didn't have the money on the deadline date but they had the rest of their paperwork into the league. The language in the contract bought them an extra 45 days to get the money. They had better lawyers than Taylor.

You just gave reviews the contracts Bradley, as you’re the hundredth lawyer I’ve met on here

I don't know anything about computer consulting. I have no idea what lawn scrapping is.

Odd a Renaissance Man, such as yourself, couldn’t figure out a simple typo, and that I meant lawnscaping.

I do know that nobody should ever pay me to go near their lawn.

Methinks, thou protest too much

I too sang for my supper early on and learned a helluva lot. It was fun. Eventually, I started providing supper.

Another free anonymous chat board Big

Also fun, but in a different way.

I’m not going to go back and forth anymore on this.
I learned my lesson during the ill fated tete-a-tete regarding Bradley Beal’s HOF credentials; some people will die on any hill, but I’m not one of them.
Regardless, I do generally appreciate your OTB posts.

 

[jamiche]

You used the word “recent” in your reply - that’s what u replied to.

???? The date it was acquired by new ownership is not the date of the financial issue. Chat GPT includes the source they are citing.

Phoenix Coyotes (NHL, 2009)

• The NHL franchise (originally the Winnipeg Jets) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009 after years of losses in Phoenix. The NHL eventually took control and sold the team. Cited Wikipedia.

Texas Rangers (MLB, 2010)

• Filed for bankruptcy amid owner Tom Hicks’ financial default. The team was sold at court auction later that year. Cited CNBC

Dodgers Bankruptcy (2011–2012)

Chapter 11 Filing:

• In June 2011, the Los Angeles Dodgers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. Cited by CNBC

You just gave reviews the contracts Bradley, as you’re the hundredth lawyer I’ve met on here


Odd a Renaissance Man, such as yourself, couldn’t figure out a simple typo, and that I meant lawnscaping.


Methinks, thou protest too much


Another free anonymous chat board Big

I’m not going to go back and forth anymore on this.
I learned my lesson during the ill fated tete-a-tete regarding Bradley Beal’s HOF credentials; some people will die on any hill, but I’m not one of them.
Regardless, I do generally appreciate your OTB posts.

My bad for not recognizing your typo. That's why nobody should pay me to be anywhere near their lawn.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

My bad for not recognizing your typo. That's why nobody should pay me to be anywhere near their lawn.

Or me near a keyboard

 

[fan of Ray Williams]

Naz fined 35,000 for the little scuffle the other night.
Hopefully they move the ball, play some defense and grab another win tonight.
Edwards looks to be a game time decision due to illness according to ESPN.

Edit: fined not find

 

[Breakin' The Plane]

Great way to hit the break, although with how streaky this team is, maybe it'd be better if they didn't have 9 days off.