Could the Nuggets lose Tim Connelly to the T-Wolves?
May 18, 2022, 5:35 PM | Updated: 5:43 pm
The Denver Nuggets may lose one of their franchise’s most important people this summer; President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly is considering leaving the franchise.
A report from The Athletic details that Connelly is “in serious talks” with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the same role in the Twin Cities. The Wolves requested and were granted permission to talk to Connelly. The Athletic says the conversations are beyond the exploratory level.
Connelly has turned into one of the NBA’s top executives, first getting in with the Nuggets in 2013 as the top man in the front office. Connelly has led the Nuggets into the current era, hiring Micheal Malone, drafting Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and others while making huge trades. He’s also nailed some draft picks outside of Jokic like Bones Hyland and Monte Morris. The Nuggets are expected to make a serious title push next season and Connelly has put the pieces in place to make that possible.
Connelly was in Sombor, Serbia last week, celebrating the MVP with Jokic and ownership. Connelly could be eyeing for more money, but he’s also been in similar situations in the past.
Connelly flirted for a similar role with his hometown Washington Wizards in the past, and there have been whispers that the Pelicans have interest in their one-time staff member.
If Connelly left, considering what he’s built in Denver and the respect he’s earned, it would be shocking. He’d be ditching the two-time MVP for Karl Anthony-Towns and crew.
Connelly lost his right-hand man in Artūras Karnišovas to the Chicago Bulls a few years ago, and Minnesota’s current head coach is a former Nuggets assistant: Chris Finch.
The Wolves are in the middle of a change in ownership and have not won a playoff series in many years. Dane Moore, who covers the Wolves, says Connelly could be up for an ownership stake if he takes the job.
Currently, Sachin Gupta is leading the Wolves front office, though in an interim fashion. He’s received much praise for his work and is also a candidate for the role.
Calvin Booth is currently General Manager of the Nuggets, promoted to that role after Karnišovas left.
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