Amid Financial Crisis Threat, Glen Taylor’s Gift Keeps Timberwolves Locker Room Happy Amid Alex Rodriguez Battle

The Timberwolves have a moral victory amidst a cliffhanger. While everything went wrong on the court in the last few days, the Wolves had it rough off the court as well. Apart from the long-standing ownership battle between Glen Taylor and Alex Rodriguez & Marc Lore, they also have an imposing financial crisis. But amid this crunch situation, Minnesota has something to celebrate. It could end all their troubles! It’s related to an individual who has played a huge role in developing the side, literally from scratch.

NBA insider, Shams Charania, took to X and broke a piece of positive news. Timberwolves’ President Tim Connelly has agreed to a restructured contract, ensuring his stay for the 2024-25 season. Moreover, his “opt-out clause has been moved to next year.” They won their first-ever series in 20 years after the union of Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert. Unfortunately, the team’s dominant run, which looked like they would end up winning the title, ended in disappointment.

Moreover, the same team can come back stronger in the next season after some tweaks to realize their Championship dream. But, the important question was, will the team survive the financial crisis? Heading into the next season, they have only 11 players under contract and the team has already exceeded the cap space. With the salary likely to be set at $155 million in the 2025-26 season, they already pay $145 million to Ant-Man, Towns, and Gobert collectively in a year. And to retain or fill in the vacancy, have to spend a lot of their dime on luxury tax or maybe even trade one of their superstars. Trading out a superstar could ruin their dream.

How will the Timberwolves save themselves from the entanglement?

It’s unfortunate for the Wolves to hang on a thin thread despite a successful campaign. Many opinions swarmed in following the financial crisis to trade out Karl-Anthony Towns and promote Naz Reid in the starting lineup. Ahead of the season, he signed a massive $221 million worth 4-year contract. Before even he could spend a season on that deal, the 7-foot forward’s fate hangs in the balance. However, this conversation took a hit after a disappointing performance from 4x DPOY Rudy Gobert in the postseason. Now, it has turned into a debate about trading out either Gobert or Towns ahead of the upcoming season.

Notably, the Gobert made all the difference and helped them enter the postseason. His dropoff was visible as he averaged 14 points and 12.9 rebounds in the regular season, in comparison to 12.1 ppg. and 9.8 rebounds during the business end.

Nevertheless, Tim Connelly’s stay on the side will be a morale booster, as he has made several bold moves in the past in his attempt to rebuild the side. For instance, he made a bold gamble to trade out Patrick Beverley, Jared Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley to rope in Rudy Gobert, despite having a seven-footer in the side. Similarly, Connelly’s been retained to make those bold decisions again in the 2024 off-season to save the side.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.