Ownership reportedly not considering relocating Minnesota Timberwolves

The incoming ownership group has not discussed the potential of relocating the Minnesota TImberwolves franchise, according to a new report.

Earlier this week, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on a lawsuit from current minority owner Meyer Orbach. The complaining includes the newsworthy note that the pending purchase agreement between current owner Glent Tyalor and the new group does not include any language regarding keeping the Wolves in Minnesota.

Now, John Krawczynski of The Athletic reports that the new group, helmed by former Major League Baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez and tech billionaire Marc Lore, has not even discussed the possibility of relocating the franchise..

Ownership reportedly not considering relocating Minnesota Timberwolves

Krawczynski penned a piece breaking down the most recent news from ESPN’s Wojnarowski (subscription required) and included several interesting, sourced notes.

The most intriguing bit, however, is related to the idea of relocation — apparently an item that hasn’t even been given a second thought by the incoming group. Krawczynski says that “sources on all sides” of the talks have stated that the new group is committed to the Twin Cities and that “there have never been any discussions about moving” the Wolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx.

Here at Dunking With Wolves, we’ve been all over the unlikely idea of relocation. The short version? Basically, the NBA is motivated to have a team in Minneapolis, the No. 15 media market in the United States. The league would generate more revenue by simply expanding (possibly to Seattle, the No. 13 market) versus moving an existing franchise.

The Twin Cities have proven to be more than viable as a pro sports market, and the stench of the last time a team relocated still hangs over the league to some extent.

(By the way, the Seattle-to-Oklahoma City situation is far from apples-to-apples when compared to the current state of the Wolves. There is no arena battle in Minneapolis as there was in Seattle a decade and a half ago.)

Krawczynksi’s report should allow Wolves fans far and wide who may have been unnecessarily holding their breath to exhale with confidence.

Is there still a chance that the team is relocated? Of course. Is it likely? Not at all.