Alex Rodriguez’s Ownership Controversy Threatens Key Figure Behind Timberwolves’ Rise and Nikola Jokic’s Championship

Behind the success of every great franchise are often its players, but not all teams draft Hall of Famers. In that case, through carefully orchestrated trades a team vies its way to the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and behind those decisions are expert executives silently pulling the strings. That was certainly the case for the defending Champions, the Denver Nuggets, who have Tim Connelly to thank for their success in crafting a near-perfect championship roster, led by 2X MVP Nikola Jokic.

So, rightfully, Alex Rodriguez brought him in 2022 to usher in the winning ways in Minnesota as the President, and it turned out to be a success. Connelly set up quintessential decisions like the Rudy Gobert trade, propelling the team to its success this season. However, Rodriguez’s current battle for franchise ownership with Glen Taylor threatens to drive him away.

According to the latest report by Shams Charania, “Amid ownership turmoil in Minnesota, sources say Connelly has an opt-out in his contract after the season.”

“We know the turbulence that now exists in this war for the Timberwolves between Glenn Taylor and Alex Rodriguez and Mark Lori. In all of that, I’m told Tim Connolley has an opt-out in his contract after the season,” says Charania. He further illustrates the team’s predicament by explaining, “After year two, it was supposed to line up with this ownership transfer… But now what we’re seeing playing out between these two sides… This is someone the Wolves can’t afford to lose.”

This ownership tussle seems to threaten the future of the franchise.

What’s the current situation with Alex Rodriguez and Glenn Taylor?

The Minnesota Timberwolves are experiencing their most successful season in years, currently holding the 2nd seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference with an impressive 55-25 record. At only 22 years old, Anthony Edwards has single-handedly transformed the Timberwolves from a struggling lottery team to a legitimate Championship contender. Glen Taylor, keen on maintaining the team’s momentum, is wary of jeopardizing their financial stability. According to Adrain Wojnarowski, Rodriguez and Lore’s proposed cost-cutting measures prompted Taylor to void the contract.

Taylor, alongside the NBA and The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm involved in ownership discussions, perceives the budget projections as a threat to the team’s competitiveness. With the Timberwolves on an upward trajectory and Anthony Edwards emerging as the franchise’s new face, surrounded by multiple superstars and a deep roster, the team is poised for success. Even if a Championship eludes them this season, the Timberwolves could soon ascend to the summit with Edwards leading the charge.

However, this promising future risks being squandered due to financial constraints. Should Rodriguez and Lore assume control of the franchise, they may need to reassess their financial strategy to ensure the team’s Championship aspirations remain within reach.

Read More: Adam Silver Admits Learning a Lesson as Alex Rodriguez & Timberwolves Ownership Disaster Worsens