Mavericks Unlikely to Obtain Timberwolves’ Consent to Interview Tim Connelly
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The Dallas Mavericks no longer expect the Minnesota Timberwolves to grant permission to speak with president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, veteran reporter Marc Stein wrote Thursday on The Stein Line.
Connelly, hired by Minnesota in 2022 on a five-year contract, was listed last month among the high-profile executives Dallas hoped to consider for its top basketball operations post. While some league observers believed he might entertain a new opportunity, recent signals indicate the Timberwolves intend to secure him with a longer extension.
Minnesota’s Game 6 upset of the Denver Nuggets on Thursday—propelling the club to the Western Conference semifinals—appears to have strengthened ownership’s resolve. Center Rudy Gobert, for whom Connelly surrendered five first-round picks in 2023, helped limit three-time MVP Nikola Jokić throughout the series. Rookie guard Terrence Shannon Jr., selected with a 2024 first-round pick, scored 24 points and grabbed six rebounds while starting in the clincher. Connelly’s other long-term investments—Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid—also delivered key performances, and trade-deadline pickup Ayo Dosunmu starred earlier in the series before missing Game 6 with a calf injury.
The Mavericks dismissed president of basketball operations Nico Harrison during the 2025/26 season and finished the campaign with Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi as co-interim general managers. Both remain in the running for the permanent role, but the organization continues to survey more seasoned options.
With one year left on Connelly’s contract and Minnesota unwilling to loosen its hold, Dallas is now expected to redirect its search elsewhere.
Source: Hoops Rumors
