Bulls could steal Timberwolves executive and coach if rumors become reality

Throughout the Chicago Bulls' search for a new lead executive, Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd has stood out as a clear candidate. Lloyd has served as Tim Connelly's right-hand man for the past few years, and now he's ready to fully run the show with another team.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently backed up these long-time rumors and noted that Wolves assistant coach Micah Nori could earn the Bulls' head coaching position if Lloyd is hired. 

"Matt Lloyd is considered arguably the front runner for the lead executive role with the Chicago Bulls. If Lloyd indeed is hired by the Bulls, Timberwolves lead assistant coach Micah Nori will be a strong candidate for Chicago’s head coaching position," Scotto wrote. 

Matt Lloyd and Micah Nori leaving for Chicago would make sense

Lloyd started his NBA career with the Bulls. As such, a reunion would make sense for both parties, especially given Lloyd's role in the Wolves' recent success. Furthermore, given his continuity with Nori, it would make sense if these two were a package deal of sorts.

Nori has interviewed for numerous head coaching positions in the past few years. Frankly, it feels like a matter of time before he lands a head coaching job. He rose to prominence in 2024 after taking over as the de facto head coach during the Wolves' conference finals run following Chris Finch's knee injury. 

Nori has been noted as an offensive guru and a players' coach. By all accounts, he could be the perfect man to lead this next era of Bulls basketball. 

It would be bittersweet for Wolves fans to see both Lloyd and Nori leave. In particular, Nori has been a fan favorite since his role in the 2024 conference finals run. 

Nevertheless, the loss of Lloyd could prove to be more consequential. This is largely because Connelly's future with the Wolves is uncertain, with the possibility of him leaving for the Dallas Mavericks looming over the team. If both Connelly and Lloyd depart, the Wolves would be left with the challenging task of quickly building a front office before a crucial offseason. 

Should Connelly stay, though, the Wolves would avoid this disaster and simply have to find him a new right-hand man. It remains a legitimate question if Connelly will stay, but this scenario would surely make Lloyd's possible departure more palatable.

On the other hand, Finch's job stability makes the possibility of Nori leaving easier to manage. If Nori leaves, Pablo Prigioni is a prime internal candidate to take over as the team's top assistant, or the Wolves could search around the league. 

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