Knicks Could Be Eyeing Timberwolves for More Help
Before the Minnesota Timberwolves tipped-off their 2024-25 regular season, president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, made a blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and more.
For one season in the Big Apple, it was a bold move that reunited Towns with his former head coach in Minnesota, Tom Thibodeau. Despite the new-look Knicks going on to win 51 regular season games and making it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, Thibs was fired on Tuesday.
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While there are still questions surrounding Towns' fit in New York, the $53 million (2025-26), $57 million (2026-27) and $61 million (2027-28 player option) he's due the next three seasons will make it nearly impossible for the Knicks to move him. Instead, they will likely be forced to find a new head coach that can get them to the next level, with KAT on roster.
Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori linked to Knicks head coaching job
And wouldn't you know it, the Knicks are eyeing up the Minnesota Timberwolves yet again, in assistant coach, Micah Nori, according to The Athletic insiders — who linked him, along with eleven other candidates, to the New York Knicks' newly vacant head coaching job.
Nori has been involved in several coaching searches in recent years while serving as the lead assistant in Minnesota under head coach Chris Finch. He has earned acclaim for his smarts and his mid-game interviews with the Timberwolves, while the franchise has also had two of its most successful seasons during his time there.
The Athletic
The fit in New York is an understandable one. Nori has a well-developed relationship with Towns and would be given reign to push him. If there is a way to bridge the gap on the roster between those that were there, and Towns going forward, a familiar face could be it.
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At 51 years old Nori isn't a former player fresh off of retirement and stepping onto the sidelines. He's also not the aging retread that has been passed around the league by countless other teams. Nori has been waiting for his opportunity and he'd be a fresh voice in NBA head coaching circles.
Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
He began as an assistant with the Toronto Raptors during the 2009-10 season and was there until going to Sacramento in 2013-14. He worked under Tim Connelly in Denver and came to Minnesota before the 2021-22 season.
Related: Timberwolves Deja Vu: Tom Thibodeau Relieved of His Coaching Duties in New York
It's a pretty big ask for a new head coach to come in and improve upon 51 wins. Then again, it was here that you read about Tom Thibodeau being a fit for the incompetent New York Knicks.
So… is Nori going to leave for the New York Knicks?
In recent seasons there has been plenty of talk about Nori's possible rise to head coaching prominence. At some point, that much smoke should eventually catch fire. Until then, he will continue to assist Chris Finch, who is easily the most successful head coach the Minnesota Timberwolves have ever had.
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For as great as Finch has been, he has been severely out-coached at times, as well. If the Minnesota Timberwolves were to surprise the basketball world and look to improve on Finchy, maybe Nori would get a look. More likely, he and other rising assistants will look elsewhere for head coaching opportunities.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have plenty things they will be juggling this summer on their own. I'd guess Connelly would prefer not to add a coaching hire to the mix, but he may not have a choice.
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