Marc Lore, A-Rod Expected to Take Over Timberwolves Soon, New Arena Plans Coming…
Times are changing for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fresh off their second-straight Western Conference Finals appearance, the team is headed in a new direction. Glen Taylor, who has owned the franchise since 1994 when he saved it from relocation to New Orleans, will finally transfer majority power to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez.
Taylor accepted his fate following arbitration hearings earlier this spring. Lore and A-Rod, who have been chomping at the bit to get going — will soon be putting their first official orders of business in motion.
Timeline set for Minnesota Timberwolves ownership change
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Now that the legal battle for ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been put in the rearview mirror, the last hurdle needing to be overcome is the NBA owners vote, of which Lore needs 2/3 majority to seal this deal.
Advertisement
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the new ownership group is expected to be approved easily. And we also know when it will take place. According to a recent report from The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski, the NBA Board of Governors vote for Timberwolves majority ownership will take place in less than a month, 'toward the end of June'.
'Sometime toward the end of June, team sources familiar with the process told The Athletic, the league is expected to hold a final vote to approve Lore and Rodriguez as the new majority owners of the Timberwolves and Lynx.'
Jon Krawczynski – The Athletic
The exact date has not been made known, but the end of June coincides with some important dates on the league calendar. The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25th. Minnesota holds the 17th and 31st overall selections. Just a few days later, June 30th, free agency opens.
It would behoove the Minnesota Timberwolves to have their new owners assume full power prior to those events taking place. The vote to make the ownership change permanent should go as planned, but until it's cemented in reality both Rodriguez and Lore must wait.
Related: Timberwolves Expected to Chase Kevin Durant Again… and He's Interested
This offseason is a significant one for the Timberwolves. President Tim Connelly could look to go elsewhere, and the roster changes are expected to be significant. Julius Randle, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Naz Reid are all key players that Minnesota must decide on how they fit into future plans.
Advertisement
Anthony Edwards and his running mates came up short losing 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row. Finding a blueprint to get beyond that point, and over the hump, will require looks at the roster and coaching staff.
New arena plans underway for Timberwolves
It's not just the roster configuration that new owners Rodriguez and Lore are concerned with. Minnesota's home arena, Target Center, is 35 years old and it needs more than just a facelift. In fact, the plan is to find a new home digs, something that the new owners have made clear will be a priority right away.
'They plan to be much more aggressive with their investment on the business side of the operations, including formulating plans for a new arena, team sources told The Athletic. The partners have openly stated their firm commitment to keeping the team in Minnesota, and team sources reiterated that is the long-term vision for a team that is booming in popularity locally, thanks to their playoff runs the last two seasons.'
Jon Krawcyznski – The Athletic
Multiple different sites and ideas have been floated regarding a new arena. It is something that the franchise must capitalize on while excitement is currently at an all-time high. How the building is funded, where, and what designs look like will all be of significant importance to fans.
Advertisement
Related: Kendrick Perkins Apologizes to Anthony Edwards
Building over the offseason is always a goal for every franchise across the NBA. With such a monumental change at the top of the organization, this one figures to be the most significant in franchise history.
If Lore and Rodriguez can usher in a summer of excitement, and parlay that into a season of success, fans will be waiting in droves to enter the new building whenever its doors open.
Related Headlines
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
One center option for Lakers is being prioritized by his current team
One center option for Lakers is being prioritized by his current team It looks like the Los Angeles Lakers will do whatever they can to upgrade at the center position this offseason. It was a festering problem for them, especially after they traded away Anthony Davis in the deal that brought them Luka Doncic, and it was a big reason they lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. One name that has been mentioned as a possible target for the Lakers is Steven Adams. The 31-year-old overcame a PCL injury that forced him to miss all of the 2023-24 season and averaged 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 13.7 minutes a game this season. While he may not be the answer to L.A.'s woes in the middle, he could be part of the solution. Adams, who made $12.6 million this season, is about to become a free agent. The problem, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, is that the Houston Rockets are intent on keeping him. Via The Athletic: "As the Rockets brass continue to maneuver through offseason mode — conducting draft workouts, tying up loose ends with exit interviews and prepping for a pivotal summer — they'll need to address several key potential free agents on the roster," Iko wrote. "Veterans Steven Adams, Jeff Green and Jae'Sean Tate will be unrestricted free agents as of June 30 — but of the trio, Adams is seen as the clear priority, team sources told The Athletic. "The 31-year-old's career revival this season — recovering from a right knee injury and becoming a critical part of Udoka's late-season rotation — is the reason hammering out his future is arguably Houston's top priority, those sources said." However, Iko did allow for the possibility of Adams moving to another team. "But because of his two-way production, particularly his elite offensive rebounding, the possibility of Adams being lured away by a playoff team exists. Adams, who earned $12.6 million last season, would be a natural fit for teams such as San Antonio, New York, Indiana and both Los Angeles organizations. But the Rockets are operating under the assumption Adams wants to return — and will continue to speak with his representation about a possible extension, team sources said." Because of his injury history, there could always be a chance that Adams is available for the taxpayer mid-level exception of $5.7 million. At 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, he is a big load in the paint, and while he isn't a scoring threat, he could help Los Angeles on the boards and give it a serviceable positioner defender down low. But, of course, if he wants to stay in Houston, L.A. will be out of luck as far as acquiring him.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Oklahoma City Thunder bold predictions for 2025 NBA Finals vs. Pacers
The post Oklahoma City Thunder bold predictions for 2025 NBA Finals vs. Pacers appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Oklahoma City Thunder are back where their fans have long dreamed they'd be: the NBA Finals. For the first time since 2012, OKC is set to battle for the championship. This will cap off one of the most remarkable seasons in recent NBA history. The Thunder flexed their might in the Western Conference Finals, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 to clinch the series and punch their ticket to the Finals. Thunder So Far Of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Thunder fans will remember how the team was blown out in Game 3, losing 143-101 to Minnesota. That was a rare 40-plus-point defeat that usually spells doom for a team's playoff hopes. Not for this Thunder squad, though. They became only the third team in NBA history to lose a playoff game by 40 or more points and still win the series. That resilience defines this team. Recall that before the 2024-25 season tipped off, the Thunder were the league's youngest squad. They averaged just over 24 years of age. Despite their youth, they surged to 68 wins during the regular season and now stand four victories away from a championship. Their 2024-25 campaign showed maturity and dominance that belie their age. Advertisement As they prepare to face the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, here are four bold predictions for what lies ahead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Will Continue His Playoff Scoring Surge The Kia MVP has been nothing short of sensational this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring during the regular season. He averaged 32.7 points per game, and his offensive brilliance has carried into the postseason. Through 16 playoff games, SGA ranks second among active players in playoff scoring at 29.9 points per game. Of course, SGA is far from a one-dimensional scorer. He put up 6.4 assists per game during the regular season and has averaged 6.9 assists per game in the playoffs. His ability to create for himself and others has kept defenses guessing. Advertisement SGA already has 10 playoff games this year with at least 30 points and five assists. He needs just two more to surpass the NBA record for most such games in a single postseason since 1963. Given the magnitude of the Finals stage and Indiana's defensive focus, expect Gilgeous-Alexander to rise to the occasion once again. Look for him to average over 30 points per game in the Finals while continuing to facilitate for his teammates. That should solidify his status as the game's brightest young superstar. Jalen Williams Will Be On Fire Sure, much of the spotlight has (rightfully) been on SGA. However, Jalen Williams has also been a vital piece of Oklahoma City's playoff puzzle. Known for his defensive prowess and playmaking ability, Williams has averaged 5.3 assists in the playoffs. That's second only to Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder. However, his scoring and shooting have been inconsistent. Williams is hitting just 31.8 percent from beyond the arc during the playoffs. In fact, he's had three games with fewer than 15 points. Still, his overall impact remains undeniable. There's every reason to believe he's poised for a breakout series. Advertisement Facing an Indiana defense that will be heavily preoccupied with slowing down SGA, Williams will have ample opportunities to exploit mismatches and capitalize on open looks. Expect his three-point percentage to rise closer to his career average of 38.2 percent in the Finals. With those clean looks, Williams should deliver consistent 20-point performances throughout the series. He should become the X-factor that Indiana struggles to contain. OKC Will Dominate the Battle of the Bigs One of the most critical matchups in this Finals series will be in the paint. That's where Oklahoma City holds a significant advantage. Rising star Chet Holmgren and midseason acquisition Isaiah Hartenstein have formed a dynamic frontcourt duo that has controlled the glass throughout the postseason. Holmgren, despite his slight frame, has showcased remarkable instincts, timing, and length. These have allowed him to grab crucial rebounds and protect the rim effectively. For his part, Hartenstein was brought in specifically for this playoff push. He has delivered as a steady enforcer in the paint, capable of pulling down double-digit boards on any given night. Advertisement In contrast, Indiana's frontcourt has its vulnerabilities. Myles Turner has not been dominant rebounder, and the Pacers lack a reliable backup presence inside. Pascal Siakam has been awesome but averages a modest 5.8 rebounds per game. If Indiana hopes to match OKC's energy and physicality on the boards, it will require an all-hands-on-deck effort. That's a tall order against a Thunder team that takes pride in winning the hustle plays. Expect Holmgren and Hartenstein to control the boards and neutralize Indiana's second-chance opportunities. That will give OKC a consistent edge in possessions throughout the series. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images OKC Wins the Series and SGA Hoists Finals MVP The Pacers are undoubtedly a fun story and an easy team to root for. Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as one of the league's premier playmakers. Rick Carlisle remains one of the NBA's most respected tacticians. Indiana's up-tempo, ball-movement-heavy offense is a joy to watch. That said, this is where their Cinderella run ends. Advertisement The Thunder have been historically dominant this season. Beyond their 68-14 regular-season record, they have set multiple playoff marks including the most wins by 30 or more points in a single postseason. They are also 8-1 at home in the playoffs, with an average margin of victory of 27.9 points. Their ability to overwhelm opponents early in games and sustain leads has been their calling card. Expect OKC to come out of the gates strong in Games 1 and 2, putting Indiana on its heels from the outset. Yes, the Pacers may steal a game or two on their home court. That said, the depth, versatility, and sheer firepower of the Thunder will ultimately prove too much. The Thunder simply have too many ways to win. In the end, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will stand center stage, hoisting both the Larry O'Brien Trophy and the Finals MVP award. That will cement his ascent to the NBA's elite and ushering in what could be the start of a Thunder dynasty. Final Prediction: Thunder in 5 While Indiana has proven to be resilient and fearless, Oklahoma City's overwhelming talent, defensive discipline, and statistical dominance will carry them to a fairly comfortable series win. The Thunder will dispatch the Pacers in five games, celebrating their first NBA title since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City. The 2025 NBA Finals won't just be a crowning moment for the Thunder—it may very well be the beginning of an era.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
REPORT: Huntsville native and MLB All-Star Craig Kimbrel called up to Atlanta Braves
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — After a disappointing ninth inning for the Atlanta Braves, sources tell The Athletic that Huntsville native and MLB All-Star Craig Kimbrel is being recalled to the team. According to an article by a source told Mark Feinsand that the Braves were recalling Kimbrel from Triple-A Gwinnett. Advertisement Additionally, a social media post made by Ken Rosenthal said a source also told The Athletic that the Braves are summoning Craig Kimbrel from Triple-A. Kimbrel, a Lee High School alum, struggled for the Orioles in his 15th major league season. He was designated for assignment after he unraveled on the mound in September 2024, giving up six runs against the San Francisco Giants. After the 2024 season with Baltimore, Kimbrel signed a Minor League deal with the Braves in March. Originally drafted by Atlanta in the third round of the 2008 MLB Draft, he made his big league debut in 2010. Kimbrel played in Atlanta from 2010-2014, where he recorded 186 saves and became the Braves' all-time saves leader, a record he still holds. Advertisement Kimbrel's resume includes a World Series Championship in 2018 with the Red Sox and twice being named NL Reliever of the Year in 2014 and 2017. He was the 2011 NL Rookie of the Year. He is an eight-time all-star and led the NL in saves from 2011-2014. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
