It's looking more like this will be the offseason when the Minnesota Timberwolves lose lead assistant Micah Nori. He could have his pick between two teams for his first head coaching job, as Marc Stein reported on Tuesday that the coach is a "top candidate" for the Mavericks and Trail Blazers' vacancies.
Wolves assistant Micah Nori is a top candidate for both of the NBA's coaching vacancies, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 16, 2026
Nori is a confirmed Portland finalist alongside Boston's Tyler Lashbrook and among Dallas' top contenders.
Tiago Splitter just left the Blazers to take Chicago's job. https://t.co/1Pp6aLJZT4 pic.twitter.com/BIBPHqaam9
Nori has been a fixture in Minnesota since 2021, when the team hired Chris Finch, who, in turn, added the assistant to his staff. Since then, the Timberwolves have made the playoffs every season, after only doing so once in 17 years. He's helped change the culture for the better and could reshape another team's culture, but from the helm.
It would be long overdue, as it's surprising enough that Nori, who is 52, has been with the Timberwolves for five years, after previously spending time with the Raptors, Kings, Nuggets, and Pistons. He has interviewed for several head coaching jobs over the past few summers, from the Lakers to the Knicks.
In a week (or less), he could (should) be on his way to Portland or Dallas.
Micah Nori is a top candidate for Trail Blazers and Mavericks openings
Nori was also a finalist (subscription required) for the Bulls' opening, but they chose Tiago Splitter, who served as the Trail Blazers' interim head coach this past season. He was under consideration as a candidate to remain in Portland, so once he went to Chicago, many started to speculate that Nori would end up in Oregon.
Maybe that is what will happen. Portland's search was put on hold because of the Hurricanes' Stanley Cup win, which the Trail Blazers' Tom Dundon also owns. With the first round of the NBA draft exactly one week away, Nori should get clarity on his future very soon, as both teams should have a new coach in place by then.
And Minnesota should be rooting for Nori to get that opportunity, but it will be hard to see him go. He's deserved it, though.
He stepped up in place of an injured Finch during part of the 2024 playoffs, guiding the Timberwolves to their first conference finals appearance in 20 years. Nori has been praised for his offensive mind, his approach to the game, his interactions with players, his honesty, and, perhaps most importantly, his interviews.
The silver lining of Nori's departure would be that he'd spend much more time speaking with the media and reporters, resulting in more viral moments. It'd be nice if those could continue in Minnesota, but Nori deserves to lead his own team, even if it is in the same conference as the Timberwolves.
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