Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has been a vital part of the Wolves' success. He took over this role in 2022, famously making the Rudy Gobert trade shortly after earning this role. Before this, Connelly built the foundation of the Denver Nuggets' 2023 championship, including making the greatest draft pick of all-time in Nikola Jokić.
Last offseason, Connelly moved his opt-out clause to the 2025 offseason. As a result, there was uncertainty around Connelly's future. However, as noted by Dane Moore and confirmed by The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski, Connelly is under contract for two more years. He quietly opted into his contract this summer, thus staying on his original five-year deal. With this, an extension could be on the way soon, especially with the ownership dispute concluded. Undoubtedly, this is great news for Wolves fans.
Dane and Kyle discuss this as well … Tim Connelly is under contract for 2 more years. He could have opted out this summer, but he is staying on his existing 5-year deal. Always room to negotiate going forward. But he’s locked in. https://t.co/iFfMQYskji
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) August 28, 2025
Connelly returning is great news for the Timberwolves
While this is exciting, it also shouldn't be surprising given how the offseason played out. Connelly remained active in the Wolves franchise this summer, appearing at the NBA Summer League and openly discussing the team's goals. Notably, Connelly has talked about the value of continuity, and the Wolves' offseason moves line up with this. As does the drafting of two high upside young players in Joan Beringer and Rocco Zikarsky.
The Wolves are on the brink of winning a title after back-to-back Western Conference finals appearances. Connelly has done an excellent job of building a title contender around Anthony Edwards. With Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure and Mike Conley aging, we'll get to see more of the Wolves' young players. It will be interesting to see how Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham, and Jaylen Clark adjust to bigger roles and how it impacts the Wolves' title chances.
Regardless, Connelly and the rest of the Wolves' organization believe in these three players, and their offseason approach highlights this confidence. In the second apron era, having young players contribute is necessary. And if Connelly's track record is any indication, these three young players should have successful careers starting this year.
Connelly has an elite track record both in the draft and has shown a willingness to make big moves if needed. As the Wolves try to build a title winner around Edwards, Connelly is the perfect man to be running the show. Overall, Connelly has been the architect of the Timberwolves' recent success, and retaining him for the foreseeable future is a massive win.