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.