Notes from Wolves: Connelly, Anderson, Edwards, McDaniels

Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly apparently he has an opt-out in his contract. Amid an ownership dispute, there has been speculation that the veteran executive could exercise that opt-out clause.

However, he told reporters Friday that he’s “super excited” about the team’s future and has no plans to leave Minnesota, Jerry Zgoda of The Star Tribune writes (subscription required).

“I mean, the move (from Denver) wasn’t funConnelly said. “I had a great time here. Looks like we have roots here. It’s pretty special. This is the goal. It’s been a great few years and hopefully we can make them a lot longer.”

Connelly said he would be comfortable regardless of which group ultimately wins majority control of the franchise, Zgoda adds. Long time owner Glen Taylorwhich also owns the Star Tribune, is on one side of the dispute, with minority stakeholders Mark Lore and Alex Rodriguez on the other hand. The matter goes to a three-person arbitration panel.

“The property is obviously in a unique place right nowConnelly said. “Whatever happens is some kind of higher level. I trust that whatever happens will be the right way. We all shared great moments throughout the season. These are conversations we’ve had and will continue. Now that we’re officially in the offseason, we’ll get a better idea of ​​what we could do.”

The Timberwolves were eliminated from the Western Conference Finals after being eliminated by Dallas in Game 5 in Minnesota. It was just the second time the Wolves have advanced that far in the postseason, and Connelly believes they are capable of going further in the future, according to Zgoda.

“When you’re a home team and a Final Four team, all those teams can win a championshipConnelly said. “So I don’t know if there is any linear path to the next step. I don’t think there is one answer. Many of them are matches and health.”

praised Connelly Karl-Anthony Towns, who had an otherwise solid playoff run, but struggled in a big way against the Mavs. Minnesota’s top basketball executive also discussed the team’s future payroll, suggesting the Wolves would be willing to be a tax payer, but not repeatedly due to the restrictions of the new CBA.

“It is a big burden for the propertyConnelly said. “That’s a lot, a lot of money. As for the impact on our flexibility, I think the jury is still out. It’s not a place you want to be long-term. It gets tougher every year. Dipping your finger into it might have a relatively limited impact on what we can and can’t do. But we are learning it like the other 29 teams.”

Here’s more about Lupi:

• Veteran striker Kyle Anderson, who has been a rotation regular for Minnesota the past two seasons, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Keeping him will be a real challenge given how much money Wolves have tied up in other players. While Anderson said he enjoyed his time with the team and wants to return, he acknowledged he may be headed elsewhere this offseason, Dane Moore tweeted. “I don’t know where I’ll be… but obviously I want to come back hereAnderson said.
• Star Guard Anthony Edwards, who will play for Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer, said he plans to do some extra training this offseason to prepare for 2024/25, per The Star Tribune’s Chris Hine (link for the subscriber). “I’ve never played this deep into a basketball seasonEdwards said. “So now I know, like, OK, for me to be dominant in the third round, and if we get through that and eventually go to the finals, I have to train like I’m going to the playoffs. . So I can’t miss training days, I can’t take days off, you know what I mean? I have to be prepared. So I know what it takes and I’ll be ready.”
• Constant unlocking Jaden McDaniels offensive tackle is an offseason goal for Minnesota, says Patrick Reusse of The Star Tribune (subscriber link). McDaniels’ lucrative rookie extension begins next season. He earned a spot on the defensive second team this season, but often wasn’t involved enough on offense, Reusse noted.
• HoopsHype’s Mark Deeks offers his offseason preview for the Wolves. In addition to Anderson, veteran guards Monte Morris and Jordan McLaughlin they will also be unrestricted free agents, and so they will be going forward TJ Warren. Big man Luke Garza will be the club’s only standard RFA.