The Minnesota Timberwolves took care of one bit of business before going into the new NBA season. They have extended Head Coach Chris Finch’s contract for four years meaning he will be there till the 2027-28 season. It is the third contract that Chris has inked with the Timberwolves, since signing the first in 2021.

Under Chris Finch’s leadership, the Timberwolves have made the Playoffs for three consecutive seasons, reaching the Western Conference Finals last season for the first time in 19 years. While details of his salary and contract remain undisclosed, Finch’s net worth is reportedly around $5 million, largely from his earnings as a coach, suggesting his salary could be in the millions annually.

However, compared to top-earning coaches like Steve Kerr ($17.5 million), Gregg Popovich ($16 million), and Erik Spoelstra ($15 million), Finch likely earns less.

On his contract extension with Minnesota, Finch expressed pride in the team’s culture, stating, “I’m proud of the way we’ve been able to establish a great culture here with the Timberwolves, and I look forward to continuing to lead this organization and make our fans proud.”

Now, let’s dive into his record with the team.

“Perfect Leader” – Chris Finch’s record with the Minnesota Timberwolves

Chris Finch guided the Timberwolves to an impressive 56-26 season (2023-24), the second-best record in franchise history, securing the third seed in the Western Conference. This achievement marked their longest streak of consecutive playoff appearances since their 1996-2004 run. President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly praised Finch, stating, “Chris is a wonderful coach, and an even better person.” He added, “Under his guidance, the team has improved every year. He’s the perfect leader for our organization,” reflecting his strong confidence in Finch’s leadership. However, Finch has had to work in pretty unusual circumstances in hi first four years as he worked under three different bosses.

Finch tops the Timberwolves’ all-time winning percentage chart at .557, with an overall record of 160-127 over the three and a half seasons since joining back in 2021. The late Flip Saunders, who guided the Wolves to the 2004 Conference Finals, ranks second with a .521 winning percentage and a 427-392 record over 11 seasons. Remarkably, Finch and Saunders are the only coaches in franchise history to surpass 100 wins. Finch also finished third in last season’s Coach of the Year voting and had the honor of coaching the Western Conference All-Star team.

What do the Minnesota Timberwolves expect this season?

After a historic season, the expectations are high as the team and coach Finch would like to build on their previous success. However, they will have to do so without star center Karl-Anthony Towns as he left Minnesota to head for the Big Apple, in what was probably the most talked about trade during the offseason. KAT is now a Knicks player but the Timberwolves also got a few new additions in Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle. Despite losing KAT they still look locked and loaded with the new faces that include newly drafted Rob Dillingham as well and let’s not forget they still have an ace up their sleeve in Anthony Edwards.

During Timberwolves media day, Coach Chris Finch highlighted improvements in the team’s offensive game, focusing on better transitions while maintaining their defensive efficiency. He stressed that shooting shouldn’t always be the primary focus, saying, “There has to be a Plan B… it can’t always be shooting, shooting, shooting,” emphasizing the team’s strength in movement, cutting, and fluidity. Finch also praised the squad’s depth, stating, “We’re lucky… we feel we have 7 or 8 starters,” showing confidence in his players.

With Anthony Edwards improving each season and Donte DiVincenzo stepping up in Karl-Anthony Towns’ absence, the Wolves look strong. Julius Randle will need to quickly integrate with his new teammates, as their defense will once again be key to making a deep playoff run this season.