The Inside Story of How Glen Taylor Sabotaged The Minnesota Timberwolves Sale
Apr 23, 2024
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Delve into the drama surrounding the Minnesota Timberwolves sale, from Glen Taylor's ownership to secret contract negotiations. Explore the financial transformation of the franchise, fractured relationships, and missed payments by potential new owners. Uncover the complexities and mistrust within the NBA circles and the future implications for the team.
Pattern of mistrust within the Timberwolves ownership, fracturing relationships and secret negotiations revealed.
Internal tensions arise within new ownership group over transformative decisions causing potential impact on player dynamics.
Deep dives
Glenn Taylor's Controversial Ownership of the Timberwolves
Glenn Taylor purchased the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1994, initially receiving fan support for preventing the franchise from relocating. However, his tenure has been marred by controversies, including a suspension by the NBA for salary cap violations and disagreements with former team members like Kevin Garnett. Despite rumors of selling the team, negotiations with potential buyers often fell through, leading to a recent deal with Alex Rodriguez and Mark Lori that involved a unique payment schedule spanning several years.
Success and Struggles Under New Ownership
The Minnesota Timberwolves have seen improved on-court performance in recent years, finishing with a strong regular-season record and increased revenue. New owners Rodriguez and Lori played a key role in transformative decisions, such as hiring Tim Connolly as president of basketball operations. The hiring of Connolly, at a lucrative package, caused internal tensions, showcasing differing visions within the ownership group and potentially impacting player dynamics.
Taylor's Decision to Call Off the Deal
Glenn Taylor's abrupt cancellation of the agreement with Rodriguez and Lori raised legal debates, with sources suggesting Taylor's actions stemmed more from hesitance than financial concerns. Taylor's decision triggered a potential legal battle, involving mediation, arbitration, and possible court proceedings. Despite stakeholders preparing for legal processes, uncertainties surround the timeline and outcomes, indicating a complex and contentious resolution ahead.
With Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor saying the team is no longer for sale after incoming owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore missed a payment that would have given them majority control of the franchise, I decided to dig in. I’ve spent several weeks talking to sources across the NBA — executives, Timberwolves employees, sports bankers, lawyers, etc. — and I discovered a pattern of mistrust over the last few years. So, today’s episode breaks it all down, including Glen Taylor’s ownership tenure, a financial transformation within the franchise, the fracturing of relationships, secret contract negotiations and much more. Enjoy!
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