RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Saunders: Timberwolves Need To Add Shooters

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:21:04 EDT

Flip Saunders would like to add more shooters to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ roster.

"We need more shooters,'' Saunders said. "You can't play with one (Budinger) or two (Luke Ridnour). A healthy Kevin Love will help there, but if we put shooters on the floor, you're going to see a much better (Ricky) Rubio.''

The Timberwolves were the worst three-point shooting team in the NBA, finishing at 30.5 percent.

J.J. Barea led the Timberwolves in three-point shooting percentage at 34.6 percent, while Alexey Shved paced the team in total attempts with 288.

Brandon Roy To Be Released By Timberwolves

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:19:24 EDT

The Minnesota Timberwolves are formalizing the release of Brandon Roy, according to sources.

Roy had one more year on his contract and was slated to earn $5.3 million next season.

This is likely the end of Roy's career.

Roy, who played just five games this season with the Timberwolves, is a three-time NBA All-Star.

Saunders Fires Five Members Of Timberwolves Scouting Department

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:05:28 EDT

Flip Saunders fired five members of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ scouting department.

Saunders fired international scouting director Pete Philo, regional scouts J.T. Prada, Curtis Crawford and Steve Gordon and special-assignment scout Will Conroy.

Philo was instrumental in the Timberwolves’ efforts to land Ricky Rubio.

Sources: Rubio's Camp Disappointed In Wolves' Dismissal Of Kahn

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:28:42 EDT

The Minnesota Timberwolves replaced David Kahn as chief decision-maker with Flip Saunders.

The belief is that Kevin Love's relationship with the organization will improve with a regime change, but sources say Ricky Rubio's camp is disappointed with Kahn's dismissal.

Kahn drafted Rubio fifth overall knowing that he likely would not come to the NBA immediately.

Flip Saunders Expects Rick Adelman To Return

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:34:32 EDT

Flip Saunders, the Minnesota Timberwolves' new president for basketball operations, has maintained contact with Rick Adelman and believes the coach will return for a third year next season.

“I don’t think there are many organizations that can say they have two people associated that have combined for 1,600 wins,” Saunders said.

“I know what he’s going through as a coach, and I think that will beneficial for myself and for Rick. We’re a team moving forward."

Saunders was introduced by the Timberwolves on Friday, replacing David Kahn.

Wolves Fire Kahn, Hire Saunders

Thu, 02 May 2013 20:16:56 EDT

Flip Saunders has signed a deal to become president of basketball operations of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Saunders will replace David Kahn, who was fired on Thursday.

Saunders, who formerly was head coach of the Wolves, will also have an ownership stake.

Sources: T-Wolves Replace Kahn With Saunders

Thu, 02 May 2013 20:16:01 EDT

David Kahn is out as Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor opted not to pick up the option for next season on Kahn's contract.

''We want to thank David for all of his efforts the past four years with our basketball team,'' Taylor said in a statement issued by the team. ''These are always difficult decisions, but at this time, we believe it is in the best interest of our organization to make a change. We wish David all the best in the future.''

Flip Saunders will be named the Timberwolves’ next president of basketball operations, according to three people with knowledge of the situation.

''It's always the owner's prerogative,'' Kahn said. ''I don't think it's appropriate to say whether it's fair or not. I'm very grateful for the opportunity that Glen gave me.''

The Timberwolves went 89-223 and missed the playoffs in all four seasons under Kahn.

Kahn Hasn't Met With Taylor About Future With Wolves

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:34:06 EDT

With a report that the Minnesota Timberwolves will replace David Kahn with Flip Saunders, the former released a statement about his future with the franchise.

"First, I wake up every day knowing it's a privilege to have this job, and not a right,'' Kahn's statement read. "Speculation about our jobs is part of this business, especially when you strip the emotion out of it. Speculation is especially understandable now, as we have a deep and talented team, with several cornerstone players, and will be poised for big success once it regains its health.''

The Wolves have an 89-223 record during Kahn's four seasons as decision-maker.

"Glen and I have an understanding that we will meet at the appropriate time to discuss my contractual status, but only after we have clarification on coach Adelman's status and Glen has all the information he needs,'' Kahn said. "It is no different than when we make decisions on players who have options. We wait for the process to unfold. In the meantime, Glen and I have been having conversations about the draft, free agency and other plans."

Sources: Timberwolves To Replace Kahn With Saunders

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:04:17 EDT

Flip Saunders is expected to replace David Kahn as the Minnesota Timberwolves’ head of basketball operations.

Saunders has been negotiating a deal that could run through the 2017-18 season, according to sources who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the hiring.

The hiring of Saunders would end Kahn’s tenure as general manager of the Timberwolves.

Kahn’s deal includes a team option for 2013-14 that will not be exercised.

Budinger Hopes To Return If Adelman Remains With Wolves

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:11:51 EDT

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Chase Budinger hopes to remain with the team if Rick Adelman stays on as coach.

The Timberwolves traded a first-round pick to the Houston Rockets for Budinger last summer. Adelman had coached Budinger in Houston.

"I would like to come back," Budinger said. "I like the organization. I like the staff. I love Adelman."

He admitted that Adelman's status would be a huge influence.

"That's a big part of it," Budinger said about the coach. "Our relationship, he knows how I play. I work well in his system. It's [Adelman's decision] going to weigh big."

Adelman said before Monday's home finale against Utah that he hopes to decide his future in the few weeks after the season ends.

Wolves Covet 'Quality' Shooting Guard

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 11:03:42 EDT

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman says that finding a "quality" shooting guard will be one of the team's top offseason priorities.

"That's something we'll really have to look around for," Adelman said. "It's too hard to play point guards at that spot. Luke (Ridnour) is overmatched all the time playing bigger two-guards. We have to find a way to get more size there."

The Timberwolves signed Brandon Roy this past offseason in hopes that the injury-plagued guard could resurrect his career, but knee issues have kept him sidelined for most of the year.

Love Vows To Come Back Stronger Than Ever

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:54:58 EDT

Kevin Love has vowed to come back stronger than ever after a disappointing, injury-plagued season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"This was supposed to be such a big year for us and myself and everybody included in this organization," Love said. "It (ticks) me off in a lot of ways."

The forward broke his hand twice this season and underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last week.

"You never want to have a season like this," Love said. "Who would have thought coming into this that I would have two broken hands and had to have surgery and now this. The best part about it is I'll have a clean bill of health now and I'll be ready to go in a month."

Taylor Hasn't Decided Whether To Exercise Option On Kahn's Contract

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:40:10 EDT

Glen Taylor is still mulling whether to exercise the option on the final year of David Kahn’s contract.

“I haven't come to the time to make a decision on that,” Taylor said. “Let's finish the season first. I want to find out about my coach first. I don't have a time frame to address David's situation.

“He and I have been talking about the draft and other things as we go into the offseason. At some point, I know I need to make a decision.”

Taylor is optimistic about the possible return of Rick Adelman, who took a three-week leave from the team in January to care for his ailing wife.

“When the season is over, Rick will have more time to think about Mary Kay's health,” Taylor said. “He hasn't said anything to me about his future and I haven't asked him or pushed him on that. Mary Kay will be his priority, and I understand that. We'll talk about it at the appropriate time. It's on him rather than me, but I told him I will give him all the support he needs.

“We're hopeful that Mary Kay continues to make progress. We're planning as if he will be back next year.”

Brandon Roy Still Hoping To Play This Season

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:16:31 EDT

Brandon Roy is traveling with the Minnesota Timberwolves and still hopes to play at least one game this season.

He would prefer to play at home against either the Phoenix Suns (April 13) or Utah Jazz (April 15). Roy has missed most of the season with knee issues.

"As for next season, apparently his contract with the Timberwolves is written in a way that he's not completely clear if he still will belong to Minnesota," writes Ric Bucher. "His agent and the players union, he said, will examine the language of it to determine whether he has the ability to be a free agent."

Kevin Love To Undergo Knee Surgery For Scar Tissue Buildup

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:03:47 EDT

Kevin Love will miss the rest of the season to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee to remove a buildup of scar tissue, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced.

Love will have surgery later this week. The recovery time for his procedure is four to six weeks.

Love has played just 18 games this season because of multiple breaks in his right hand. He averaged 18.3 points and 14 rebounds for the season.

NBA Warns Ricky Rubio About Flopping

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 11:28:25 EDT

The NBA has warned Ricky Rubio about violating the league's anti-flopping rule.

His specific violation came with 46 seconds remaining in Minnesota's home win over the Thunder on March 29th.

Gelabale, Chris Johnson Have Made Impression With Timberwolves

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:11:53 EDT

The Minnesota Timberwolves added Mickael Gelabale and Chris Johnson at midseason.

Rick Adelman says the duo has shown enough in their short time to possibly make the team next season.

"This summer will be big for them," Adelman said. "We like them both."

Brandon Roy Working Hard To Return This Season

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:01:25 EDT

Brandon Roy has been working out hard for the last two weeks and his right knee has shown improvement.

Roy plans to ask Rick Adelman this week if he can return to the court.

Roy, still just 28 years old, has played in just five games and is drawing a $5 million salary.

Adelman Wants Love Back, Even If Just For A Few Games

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 11:30:13 EDT

Kevin Love's shooting hand won't be re-evaluated until sometime next week, but Minnesota Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman is still hoping to see him on the court this season.

Love has said that he'd like to play again this year.

"I'd love to see him get out there and play," Adelman said. "He certainly would help us. And we'd get to see guys play together who haven't played together all year. I think it would be [enough time]: Have him on the floor and put guys together. It will effect our rotation again, but it's a nice effect to have."

NBA: Refs Missed Foul Call On Kobe

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:56:49 EDT

The NBA has released a statement that a foul should have been called on Kobe Bryant in the final seconds of the Los Angeles Lakers' 120-117 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

Bryant made contact with Ricky Rubio on a last-second three-point attempt that could have tied the game.

"Video review by the league office confirmed that Kobe Bryant fouled Rubio while Rubio was in his shooting motion," the league said on its website. "Rubio should have been awarded three free throws."

Kevin Love Will Have Tests To Determine If He'll Return

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:52:43 EDT

Kevin Love is scheduled to have a CT scan on his broken right hand later this week to determine if he will return to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves before the season ends.

Love, who has only appeared in 18 games this season, hasn't played since Jan. 3 against the Denver Nuggets.

Get Your Latest NBA News From RealGM's Basketball Wiretap

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:17:02 EDT

Get all the latest news and happenings from around the NBA with RealGM's Basketball Wiretap.