The expected addition of Matt Lloyd as senior vice president of basketball operations raises some questions about the hierarchy in the Timberwolves‘ front office, but Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic believes that may not matter.
Lloyd, who is being hired away from the Magic, will join a team that already has Sachin Gupta as executive vice president of basketball operations. While it’s not clear who will be second in command, Krawczynski points out that new president of basketball operations Tim Connelly built a reputation for listening to everyone when he ran the Nuggets.
“I want to get to know who’s here. And I have a pretty good sense, but you don’t know until you’re in the same room as those people,” Connelly told reporters this week. “I don’t have all the answers. It’s going to be a collaborative effort. I believe in colleagues; I don’t believe in employees.”
Lloyd was attractive to the Wolves because of his experience running the scouting department in Orlando and Chicago. Minnesota owns the 19th pick in this month’s draft, along with three second-rounders, and Lloyd’s first priority will be to identify prospective talent.
There’s more on the Timberwolves:
- Miami could be a destination if Minnesota decides to part with Patrick Beverley this summer, an Eastern Conference general manager tells Sean Deveney of Heavy.com. The veteran guard was productive during his first season with the Wolves and seems unlikely to be moved, but it’s possible the new-look front office could try to maximize his value. “The Heat would love to get Patrick Beverley,” the unidentified GM said. “The Timberwolves, obviously, they love what he brought last year, but if they could sell high, they might be willing to give him up. They have a new regime there, so they can look at things a little more realistically.”
- Wisconsin guard Brad Davison will work out for Minnesota next week, tweets Darren Wolfson of Eyewitness 5 News. He has also conducted workouts for the Hawks and Nets.
- When Alex Rodriguez talked about being “first in class in every category” this week, it’s a sign that he and Marc Lore plan to push for a new arena when they officially become majority owners next year, according to La Velle E. Neal III of The Star-Tribune.
Wolves new owners care about wins
Suns and Rockets care more about money
Money > Championships
Some owners don’t spend big luxury tax to win
When Russell was a FA with Nets. I thought Knicks should give him a long look. He was an all star. Had a great yr and played in NY. He knew what MSG was all about.
But seeing him in LA, GS, now Minny. Seems he’s not really interested in a legacy. He was mistreated since LA. That’s the vibe I get from him. So it’s all business. And he’s going to get his. You can’t win with a guy like that.
Don’t know if he will ever wake up. Reminds me of Randle another guy who feels mistreated. Both run out by Lakers, by the way. When it happens when you are young. It can affect you for a long time. It’s too bad
Russell is from Louisville Ky. Best thing for is probably go back home and play. Probably the only place where you will get the best from him. Pacers are closest to Louisville. Unfortunately they have their PG of the now and future. He went to Ohio State. Cavs don’t need him either.
I wonder if NY could break this guy and make him reach for the stars. Knicks are dying for a true PG. Just not sold
If only the Heat kept Patrick Beverley over Eddie House (out of loyalty to House) at the end of training camp in 2010-2011. He helps them win that championship, as they couldn’t guard Jason Terry or JJ Barea, and then instead of drafting Norris Cole for that exact reason, they draft Jimmy Butler instead
He was extremely valuable for Minnesota this year, but I dont see him making sense for the Heat unless the roster is drastically different, probably where both Lowry and Oladipo arent back…wouldn’t mind Taurean Prince or Jaden McDaniels from them though, but neither of those guys should. E available, if I’m them
TP is a free agent, but ya, Jaden ain’t going anywhere unless it’s for a big upgrade for us.
Nobody knew Butler was any good – and he wasn’t until Thibs made him good. So let’s get back out of the time machine, please. Driving drunk in those is just a recipe for disappointment.
The Heat have said multiple times they were going to draft Butler, and if you recall, that Norris Cole pick, 2 spots ahead of Butler, was originally Chicago’s pick on draft night
Another “unidentified” GM talking out of his butt. Miami could only trade for PB in a deal involving Robinson (or a more convoluted deal involving Lowry). MIN wouldn’t have any interest in either player, Robinson due to his contract, and Lowry due to age.
Is it too much to ask of Deveney that he make sure an “unidentified” GM has looked at the team payrolls before suggesting a possible trade?