Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has opted into his current contract, committing to stay with the franchise for two more seasons.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported that Connelly had the option to walk away this summer but chose to remain on the original five-year deal he signed in 2022. The decision keeps him in Minnesota through the 2026–27 season.
Connelly’s contract included an opt-out clause that could have made him one of the most sought-after executives on the market. Instead of testing free agency or pushing for a raise, he elected to honor his existing deal.
According to The Athletic, at least four teams had contacted Connelly over the past two offseasons about leaving Minnesota. He declined each approach and did not leverage that interest to renegotiate terms.
The Timberwolves view his decision as a major win. Since his arrival, Connelly has helped build one of the strongest rosters in franchise history, leading to consecutive trips to the Western Conference Finals.
Last season, Minnesota advanced past the Lakers and Warriors before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. It marked the second straight year the Wolves reached the conference finals, though the franchise is still chasing its first NBA Finals appearance.
The 2025–26 campaign will also be the first under new ownership, with Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez officially taking control of the team in June. Keeping Connelly in place provides continuity for the front office during the transition.
Roster moves have already reshaped the Wolves in recent seasons. Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the Knicks in 2024, while Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert remain core pieces under Connelly’s leadership.
Minnesota added Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in last year’s three-team deal, while first-round pick Joan Beringer and second-rounder Rasheer Fleming joined the roster in June. The front office continues to balance win-now talent with long-term development.
