The Minnesota Timberwolves are caught in multiple troubles this season, but not much to blame. Numbers are not that bad, but the tight West standings make them look mediocre as of now, but over that one thing that worries them is financial and ownership turmoil, as they prepare for a crucial offseason. With a staggering $93 million luxury tax bill looming and three key players—Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (set to hit free agency) — the Alex Rodriguez’s franchise faces tough decisions on its future. However, uncertainty over who controls the team’s finances complicates the situation further.

More than a month has passed since Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore won their arbitration case against Glen Taylor, solidifying their claim to the franchise. Yet, no official transfer has taken place. While ownership changes can take time, the delay is especially critical given the Timberwolves’ impending roster decisions. Without clarity on who holds financial authority, the team’s ability to re-sign its key free agents remains uncertain.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst highlighted the Timberwolves’ financial issue, noting that the team has historically avoided luxury tax penalties, paying just $1.5 million in total over the previous 21 seasons before this year. Now, already in the second tax apron, Minnesota faces a crucial decision: extend key free agents and absorb an even steeper financial burden or restructure the roster to cut costs.

“Why this matters, it’s not just because we really want to argue about the arbitration ruling. It’s that are they going to be able to resign these guys? Are they gonna, you know, keep Naz Reid? Are they gonna keep Julius Randle, and you know how much money can they spend and who’s going to be the one spending,” Windhorst detailed on Hoop Collective.

Despite the arbitration ruling, Taylor remains the controlling owner, and according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, he could still appeal the decision, potentially dragging the process out even longer. If Taylor retains control for another season, he will be responsible for the hefty luxury tax bill, a financial commitment he may not be willing to make.

Discussion and potential renewed deal?

It’s been six weeks since Alex Rodriguez and Lore won the arbitration hearing. For most, that would mean they can take over the franchise provided the votes come in their favor. The Board of Governors did meet to discuss the matter. But there’s still no news about the transfer. Does this mean the owners and the relevant personnel voted against the new ownership despite Silver not projecting any issues?

Not really. The voting process didn’t take place at all. As Bontempts revealed, Taylor still has time to appeal the decision and fight to keep his ownership stake. However, it seems both parties may have kept their differences aside and are working together towards a settlement.

Bontemps said on Hoop Collective, “Adam said that he’s still debating whether to appeal. I think more importantly, he said he’s discussing things openly still with Mark Lore and Alex Rodriguez, which would lead me to believe that at some point here there will be some further agreement between the parties to resolve this, and the new owners will get the team,”.

So as it stands, it seems the transfer will surely take place. The discussions could be pertaining to the valuation of the franchise. When the initial deal was agreed upon, the price point for A-rod and Lore to take over was set at $1.5 billion. But since then, the market in Minnesota has experienced a boom. The onset of Anthony Edwards and their recent postseason success saw their value skyrocket to $3.1 billion in 2024.

Hence, it’s understandable why Glen Taylor would want a better deal. Whether he gets it or not can’t be said for sure. But until a conclusion is reached, the ownership won’t change hands anytime soon.