Timberwolves can't help but laugh at Mavericks' pipe dream

The Dallas Mavericks are searching for a new front office in the post-Nico Harrison era. According to Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, team governor Patrick Dumont is shooting for the moon. Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly is one of the names on Dumont's wish list.

"Among the names on Dumont’s wish list, per league sources: Oklahoma City executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti, Minnesota president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, and Boston president Brad Stevens. Cleveland top exec Koby Altman’s name is also in the mix, a source said," Mannix reported. 

Within all likelihood, the Mavericks' interest in Connelly (and the other three big names) means very little. For starters, Connelly is under contract for at least one more season. The Timberwolves simply have no reason to let Connelly go to the Mavericks, and I doubt he has interest in leaving.

I admire the Mavericks' ambition, but the idea that any of the four or so best executives in the league would leave their current luxurious jobs feels far-fetched at best. Koby Altman is the only one I could possibly see given the Cleveland Cavaliers' short title window, but even that would be a surprise. Last summer, the New York Knicks had a similar approach to their head coaching search (even trying to poach Chris Finch), and they ultimately ended up with Mike Brown.  

There's no real reason for Tim Connelly to leave the Timberwolves

At face value, you might think the Mavericks would be an intriguing job. They have Cooper Flagg and will likely add another top pick in June. However, when looking at their draft assets, it's quite bleak. After this season, Dallas doesn't outright own their first-round pick until 2031. 

Of course, Flagg (and another lottery pick) offers plenty of upside, but building a well-rounded roster to support them will be challenging. 

Connelly has helped elevate the Timberwolves from a frisky young playoff team to a legitimate title threat. Frankly, I doubt that Connelly wouldn't want to see the end of this journey, unless he's taking a far better job. And it can't be argued that the Mavericks are clearly a better job. Plus, Connelly is being paid handsomely ($8 million per year) and has an ownership stake in the Timberwolves. 

Now, the counterargument would be that Connelly left a great situation with the Denver Nuggets just four years ago. Regardless, this argument doesn't hold up under scrutiny, as Connelly was being paid substantially less in Denver than what Minnesota was willing to pay him. To this end, it's well documented that the Nuggets' ownership group is unwilling to pay top dollar for elite execs.

From both a basketball and financial perspective, there's no reason why Connelly should leave the Timberwolves. Unless credible reporting comes out that indicates some level of mutual interest, Wolves fans should have no reason to fear losing Connelly.

If there's any news regarding Connelly this summer, it will likely be about him getting an extension in Minnesota, and that's great news for Timberwolves fans.