Despite having an opt-out clause in his contract this offseason, Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly appears intent on staying put.
“It feels like home. … I think you guys are stuck with me,” Connelly told reporters on Monday, as relayed by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
His statement puts to rest growing speculation about his potential departure, which had circulated in recent weeks.
Though Connelly technically has the option to explore other opportunities, league insiders widely expected him to remain in Minnesota.
Multiple respected journalists – including Brian Windhorst, Marc Stein, Jake Fischer, Michael Scotto, and Krawczynski – have all reported that extending Connelly’s contract is a top priority for the franchise.
According to sources, the Timberwolves are confident about reaching a new agreement, buoyed by Connelly’s strong working relationship with incoming majority owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez.
The duo is expected to gain full league approval from the NBA’s Board of Governors later this month.
Connelly, who joined the Timberwolves in 2022 after a nine-year tenure running basketball operations for the Denver Nuggets, had been rumored as a leading candidate for other front-office openings, including the Atlanta Hawks’ top basketball executive role.
He was also loosely linked to a return to Denver, where he helped construct the Nuggets’ current title-winning roster, although he left before they captured the championship.
Since arriving in Minnesota, Connelly hasn’t shied away from making bold moves.
Most notably, he orchestrated the high-profile trade for Rudy Gobert in 2022 and later sent long-time Wolves star Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop (who was subsequently waived), and a future first-round pick.
Under Connelly’s leadership, the Timberwolves have made the playoffs for three consecutive seasons – a notable feat for a franchise long associated with postseason struggles.
Most recently, they reached the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back years for the first time in team history, solidifying their status as legitimate contenders.
At 49, Connelly’s continued presence promises stability and ambition for a team looking to capitalize on its momentum.
While no official contract extension has been announced yet, his comments and the organization’s optimism suggest the Timberwolves’ front office will remain under his guidance.
Tim Connelly didn't sound on Monday like someone who intends to use his opt-out clause to leave the Timberwolves. Story: https://t.co/Fi8EYbljSb
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 3, 2025
