Tom Thibodeau is now the head coach and president of basketball operations of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After reports surfaced earlier in the day saying the two sides were nearing a deal, the team made the announcement official Wednesday evening. Thibs will bring along Scott Layden to be general manager – he comes from San Antonio where he’s been an assistant in the front office.
“Through this process we quickly identified Tom as the best leader to shape our talented team and help them realize their full potential,” owner Glen Taylor said in a news release. “He is a proven winner, leader and one of the most well-respected NBA head coaches over the last decade.”
A press conference to introduce Thibodeau and Layden will be announced in the near future, the team said. He released a statement on Friday night.
A text from a busy Tom Thibodeau tonight: pic.twitter.com/2tJRwjYrUf
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) April 21, 2016
Details of the deals
#Twolves agree to terms with Tom Thibodeau as President of Basketball Operations & Head Coach, & Scott Layden as GM. pic.twitter.com/7aBrN1uYCp
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 20, 2016
While the Wolves didn’t release financial details, other sources have weighed in on the cost of acquiring the 58-year-old Thibodeau and Layden.
It’s a five-year deal, The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski says.
Final structure of Thibodeau's deal w/Wolves expected to pay him in $8 million range annually with Scott Layden getting $2+ million annually
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 20, 2016
Money talks – Wolves wanted Tom Thibodeau and are paying to land him. He'll get about $55 million plus and hand picked his GM.
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) April 20, 2016
Here’s some more from top basketball writers.
Tom Thibodeau wanted total control in Minnesota, and he got it. Now the 'Wolves have a strong coach, leader to develop a rich talent base.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) April 20, 2016
Says here Thibs–already an elite coach–comes back even better after a year off. Spent much of the season traveling, studying other teams.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) April 20, 2016
Glen Taylor turned 75 today. Nice little birthday present if he completes negotiations with Thibs.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) April 20, 2016
I'm so happy for Thibs + Towns + the long-suffering 'Sota fans. What a perfect match of coach and talent. Wish I could buy T-Wolves stock.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 20, 2016
In fact, I'd like to buy the Timberwolves John Spano-style. Here's my offer, Glen Taylor: 800 million. Will wire you the money later.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 20, 2016
Conspiracy Bill is concerned that Minnesota will win the lottery to drive up the sale price of the T-Wolves even more.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 20, 2016
From today's piece, how Thibs' MPG distribution compares to that of a typical NBA team: https://t.co/tjZ7JAY3mX (In) pic.twitter.com/K4fLU22tGo
— Kevin Pelton (@kpelton) April 20, 2016
.@aschNBA of https://t.co/fBlzbo3Dmk talks about the reported hiring of Tom Thibodeau by the Minnesota Timberwolves. https://t.co/lWjXbaRsVm
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 20, 2016
Thibodeau/Layden connection
According to NBA.com, Thibodeau and Layden spent time together with the New York Knicks in the late 1990s.
Thibodeau was an assistant coach with the Knicks from 1996-2003. Layden joined the Knicks as their GM in 1999 and was later promoted to team president. Prior to his time in New York he helped build the ultra-successful Utah Jazz teams of the mid-90s.
Thibodeau/Garnett connection
Garnett, who could someday become part of the Wolves’ ownership group, has a strong relationship with Thibodeau from their days together in Boston, Wojnarowski reports. Thibodeau was an assistant in Boston from 2007-2010 and they won a title together in 2008.
What happens to current GM Milt Newton?
According to the Star Tribune, Milt Newton can remain on the staff if he wants. His role hasn’t been defined, but Jerry Zgoda says Newton would report to Layden and Thibodeau of he stays.
