As Glen Taylor and Alex Rodriguez clash over the ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the fallout could have broader implications than initially thought.
Dan Le Batard discussed on his podcast that if Taylor retains ownership, the Timberwolves could lose their team president, Tim Connelly. Connelly, who signed a long-term contract with Rodriguez’s group, may leave if Rodriguez is not the owner. Le Batard suggests that this could lead to Anthony Edwards potentially requesting a trade.
The ongoing ownership dispute is likely to have significant consequences. While it’s uncertain if Connelly and Edwards will indeed depart, the possibility of both leaving to avoid Taylor is plausible. Taylor considered one of the worst owners in major sports, has overseen a franchise with a poor track record since he became majority owner in 1994, including a 13-year playoff drought.
Connelly’s presence would have made a difference. As a highly regarded decision-maker and the architect behind the Denver Nuggets’ championship core and the Timberwolves’ playoff contention, Connelly’s departure could diminish confidence among players like Edwards.
If Connelly leaves, the Timberwolves might find a suitable replacement, such as Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst or Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, both of whom have been linked to executive roles. However, relying on these possibilities might not be as appealing as requesting a trade. Edwards, a potential future face of the NBA, would attract numerous trade suitors if he expressed a desire to leave.
Despite his youth and potential commitment to the Timberwolves, Edwards might still be tempted by the Miami Heat’s allure. The Heat have previously sought stars like Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, and DeMar DeRozan, and if Edwards shows interest in Miami, Heat president Pat Riley could be motivated to make it happen. A potential Big Three of Edwards, Bam Adebayo, and Jimmy Butler could be Miami’s strongest since the “Heatles” era and might lead them to their first championship since 2013, all due to Taylor’s reluctance to part with the Timberwolves.
