Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly had a chance to silence speculation that he could leave Minnesota for the same job with the Washington Wizards, but he didn’t do so when given the opportunity Thursday.
“Yeah, I mean I’m pretty committed to the Minnesota Timberwolves right now,” said Connelly, asked by Jon Krawczynski about his name coming up in Washington’s search for a new president after firing Tommy Sheppard last week.
“Just worried about how we can get out of the first round. It’s been a long, long time since we got out of the first round. I think [head coach Chris Finch] and I are pretty excited to meet with the guys, are really excited about the foundational pieces we have here. Just keep building.”
Being “pretty committed” leaves the the door open for a move.
This marks the second time in his career that he’s been linked to the Wizards. Four years ago, while president of the Nuggets, Connelly was reportedly offered a role in Washington’s front office but he elected to stay in Denver.
Connelly is also linked to the franchise in D.C. because he is from neighboring Baltimore and he got his start in the NBA as an intern with the Wizards.
Connelly has four years left on his five-year, $40 million deal with the Timberwolves, which owner Glen Taylor has said includes a bonus incentive package.
Connelly’s first season in Minnesota was highlighted by a signature to land Rudy Gobert at the cost of five draft picks and five players. One of the five draft picks turned into Walker Kessler, who was in the running for Rookie of the Year and looks like future Defensive Player of the Year candidate, which continues the mold he created as the National Defensive Player of the Year in college.
