Tim Connley

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I think it's a near certainty that Tim Connelly offers Karl-Anthony Towns the super max extension as it's assumed Towns makes one of the All-NBA teams. That's the correct call, in my opinion, as I don't think Towns' production is easily replaced. I'm definitely not a fan of his on-court tantrums and I think he would significantly benefit from shaking the victim mentality he exudes, but there's no doubting his ability to score the basketball at an elite level for a big and do so with absurd efficiency. He's also greatly improved on the defensive end-- maybe more so than he's been given credit for. Towns will never be the best player on a championship team, but I think he'd be an excellent second-best player and we need to have faith that Anthony Edwards can continue to develop and become that guy. That has to be the plan right now.

As far as D'Angelo Russell goes, I actually think Connelly might value his game more than someone like Sachin Gupta would given the former's background as a scout. I think, like Gersson Rosas, Connelly might have respect for all the things Russell provides and is capable of doing on the court than the perhaps more analytically-driven Gupta. Will that result in an extension or some sort of transaction? Obviously, we have no idea and this is all speculation from my end. I just tend to think that if Connelly valued Jamal Murray highly then he might also like what Russell provides to some degree. As we've discussed before, Russell staying in Minnesota longer than next year directly correlates to what kind of money he's asking for on his next deal.

[Lipoli390]

I think it's a near certainty that Tim Connelly offers Karl-Anthony Towns the super max extension as it's assumed Towns makes one of the All-NBA teams. That's the correct call, in my opinion, as I don't think Towns' production is easily replaced. I'm definitely not a fan of his on-court tantrums and I think he would significantly benefit from shaking the victim mentality he exudes, but there's no doubting his ability to score the basketball at an elite level for a big and do so with absurd efficiency. He's also greatly improved on the defensive end-- maybe more so than he's been given credit for. Towns will never be the best player on a championship team, but I think he'd be an excellent second-best player and we need to have faith that Anthony Edwards can continue to develop and become that guy. That has to be the plan right now.

As far as D'Angelo Russell goes, I actually think Connelly might value his game more than someone like Sachin Gupta would given the former's background as a scout. I think, like Gersson Rosas, Connelly might have respect for all the things Russell provides and is capable of doing on the court than the perhaps more analytically-driven Gupta. Will that result in an extension or some sort of transaction? Obviously, we have no idea and this is all speculation from my end. I just tend to think that if Connelly valued Jamal Murray highly then he might also like what Russell provides to some degree. As we've discussed before, Russell staying in Minnesota longer than next year directly correlates to what kind of money he's asking for on his next deal.

Good analysis, Cam. I can't disagree with anything you wrote. I, too, see Connelly giving Towns the super max extension. I follow your line of reasoning on Connelly possibly valuing DLO more than Gupta does. But hard to know. And as you said, even if he does, it's hard to predict whether that translates into keeping him. As I've said in other posts, I don't see any realistic DLO deals that I could confidently predict would make the Wolves better next season. I could envision trading him to move up in the draft if there's a player Connelly really likes longer term. But I think DLO will be around for at least one more season and I thought that would be the case under Gupta as well. Beyond next season, who knows. One caveat is whether there are chemistry issues between DLO and other key players or Finch. I read something a couple weeks ago to suggest that there are some issues with DLO along those lines. If so, then I could see Connelly being more likely that Gupta to move DLO this summer. Connelly is clearly more of a chemistry/culture guy than Gupta. And as the new PBO with absolutely no ties to DLO, he might be more inclined to move DLO if the return value is adequate.

[Lipoli390]

He's got some big time decisions to make right away. After KAT makes all NBA, he has to decide what to do about offering him the Super Max extension. I wouldn't do it, but realize that opinion will be in the minority on this board. So that will be interesting. And then there is the subject of our favorite polarizing player, DLO. I'm going to guess the new owners and Connelly will decide the franchise can't get to the place it wants with DLO having such a large role. I anticipate if they don't trade him, this will be his last year as a Timberwolve. Just my opinion.

I would give KAT the extension for the reasons Cam noted in his post. As for DLO, I follow Cam's line of reasoning, but my gut tells me you're right that Connelly will be inclined to move on from DLO - if not this summer than after the season. Connelly will want to make his mark and to do that in a meaningful way without moving on from KAT or Ant, DLO becomes the most logical piece to move on from either this summer or next summer.

It will be interesting to see what Connelly does with Beasley. He drafted Beasley, but then he traded him to the Wolves. Some have argued that he waited too long to trade Beasley. I'm not sure what to think. Along with DLO, Beasley is our most valuable trade asset other than KAT, Ant, McDaniels or first-round picks. If Connelly is going to make his mark out of the gate, I can't see him keeping both Beasley and DLO. He could even move on from both. I don't want to presume that Connelly is flawless, but his track record gives me comfort that he'll make good decisions regarding both Beasley and DLO.

[Monster]

I think it's a near certainty that Tim Connelly offers Karl-Anthony Towns the super max extension as it's assumed Towns makes one of the All-NBA teams. That's the correct call, in my opinion, as I don't think Towns' production is easily replaced. I'm definitely not a fan of his on-court tantrums and I think he would significantly benefit from shaking the victim mentality he exudes, but there's no doubting his ability to score the basketball at an elite level for a big and do so with absurd efficiency. He's also greatly improved on the defensive end-- maybe more so than he's been given credit for. Towns will never be the best player on a championship team, but I think he'd be an excellent second-best player and we need to have faith that Anthony Edwards can continue to develop and become that guy. That has to be the plan right now.

As far as D'Angelo Russell goes, I actually think Connelly might value his game more than someone like Sachin Gupta would given the former's background as a scout. I think, like Gersson Rosas, Connelly might have respect for all the things Russell provides and is capable of doing on the court than the perhaps more analytically-driven Gupta. Will that result in an extension or some sort of transaction? Obviously, we have no idea and this is all speculation from my end. I just tend to think that if Connelly valued Jamal Murray highly then he might also like what Russell provides to some degree. As we've discussed before, Russell staying in Minnesota longer than next year directly correlates to what kind of money he's asking for on his next deal.

Good analysis, Cam. I can't disagree with anything you wrote. I, too, see Connelly giving Towns the super max extension. I think you line of reasoning on Connelly possibly valuing DLO more than Gupta does. But hard to know. And as you said, even if he does, it's hard to predict whether that translates into keeping him. As I've said in other posts, I don't see any realistic DLO deals that I could confidently predict would make the Wolves better next season. I could envision trading him to move up in the draft if there's a player Connelly really likes longer term. But I think DLO will be around for at least one more season and I thought that would be the case under Gupta as well. Beyond next season, who knows. One caveat is whether there are chemistry issues between DLO and other key players or Finch. I read something a couple weeks ago to suggest that there are some issues with DLO along those lines. If so, then I could see Connelly being more likely that Gupta to move DLO this summer. Connelly is clearly more of a chemistry/culture guy than Gupta. And as the new PBO with absolutely no ties to DLO, he might be more inclined to move DLO if the return value is adequate.

Unless Connelly reverts from what he has done previously he pays people that are high level basketball players and Towns is that. Towns is also even though annoying at times is also a quality person.

As for Russell...and some other guys that are on the roster that wil be FAs soon it will be interesting to see what Connelly does. He hasn't been a super tough negotiator so idk what he will do. What if there is some sort of conversation between Russell (or his representatives) and Connelly and Connelly one of the top executives in the league says Russell is only worthy amount of money. Would that hold more sway than if Gupta and whoever else is currently with the Wolves?

Connelly seems like a guy that likes his players but also has made some deals and let's some guys go. Vanderbilt and Beasley are guys he had with him in Denver and of course Finch coached there too and Micah Nori too. He isn't coming into unfamiliar territory. Of course he has been around the league a long time and has his brothers in the league too so that's not a big deal if he wasn't but he is coming to a place where there are some people he knows plenty well.

If you are a Hartenstein fan Connelly signed him in Denver so that's more than anyone did with the Wolves previously. Lol

[Coolbreeze44]

He's got some big time decisions to make right away. After KAT makes all NBA, he has to decide what to do about offering him the Super Max extension. I wouldn't do it, but realize that opinion will be in the minority on this board. So that will be interesting. And then there is the subject of our favorite polarizing player, DLO. I'm going to guess the new owners and Connelly will decide the franchise can't get to the place it wants with DLO having such a large role. I anticipate if they don't trade him, this will be his last year as a Timberwolve. Just my opinion.

I would give KAT the extension for the reasons Cam noted in his post. As for DLO, I follow Cam's line of reasoning, but my gut tells me you're right that Connelly will be inclined to move on from DLO - if not this summer than after the season. Connelly will want to make his mark and to do that in a meaningful way without moving on from KAT or Ant, DLO becomes the most logical piece to move on from either this summer or next summer.

It will be interesting to see what Connelly does with Beasley. He drafted Beasley, but then he traded him to the Wolves. Some have argued that he waited too long to trade Beasley. I'm not sure what to think. Along with DLO, Beasley is our most valuable trade asset other than KAT, Ant, McDaniels or first-round picks. If Connelly is going to make his mark out of the gate, I can't see him keeping both Beasley and DLO. He could even move on from both. I don't want to presume that Connelly is flawless, but his track record gives me comfort that he'll make good decisions regarding both Beasley and DLO.

I hope he comes in swinging for the fences. Pick the core you want to build around and make some big moves with the rest. This team and market needs someone with a vision and the guts to execute it.

[Coolbreeze44]

I think it's a near certainty that Tim Connelly offers Karl-Anthony Towns the super max extension as it's assumed Towns makes one of the All-NBA teams. That's the correct call, in my opinion, as I don't think Towns' production is easily replaced. I'm definitely not a fan of his on-court tantrums and I think he would significantly benefit from shaking the victim mentality he exudes, but there's no doubting his ability to score the basketball at an elite level for a big and do so with absurd efficiency. He's also greatly improved on the defensive end-- maybe more so than he's been given credit for. Towns will never be the best player on a championship team, but I think he'd be an excellent second-best player and we need to have faith that Anthony Edwards can continue to develop and become that guy. That has to be the plan right now.

As far as D'Angelo Russell goes, I actually think Connelly might value his game more than someone like Sachin Gupta would given the former's background as a scout. I think, like Gersson Rosas, Connelly might have respect for all the things Russell provides and is capable of doing on the court than the perhaps more analytically-driven Gupta. Will that result in an extension or some sort of transaction? Obviously, we have no idea and this is all speculation from my end. I just tend to think that if Connelly valued Jamal Murray highly then he might also like what Russell provides to some degree. As we've discussed before, Russell staying in Minnesota longer than next year directly correlates to what kind of money he's asking for on his next deal.

Good analysis, Cam. I can't disagree with anything you wrote. I, too, see Connelly giving Towns the super max extension. I think you line of reasoning on Connelly possibly valuing DLO more than Gupta does. But hard to know. And as you said, even if he does, it's hard to predict whether that translates into keeping him. As I've said in other posts, I don't see any realistic DLO deals that I could confidently predict would make the Wolves better next season. I could envision trading him to move up in the draft if there's a player Connelly really likes longer term. But I think DLO will be around for at least one more season and I thought that would be the case under Gupta as well. Beyond next season, who knows. One caveat is whether there are chemistry issues between DLO and other key players or Finch. I read something a couple weeks ago to suggest that there are some issues with DLO along those lines. If so, then I could see Connelly being more likely that Gupta to move DLO this summer. Connelly is clearly more of a chemistry/culture guy than Gupta. And as the new PBO with absolutely no ties to DLO, he might be more inclined to move DLO if the return value is adequate.

This
Unless Connelly reverts from what he has done previously he pays people that are high level basketball players and Towns is that. Towns is also even though annoying at times is also a quality person.

As for Russell...and some other guys that are on the roster that wil be FAs soon it will be interesting to see what Connelly does. He hasn't been a super tough negotiator so idk what he will do. What if there is some sort of conversation between Russell (or his representatives) and Connelly and Connelly one of the top executives in the league says Russell is only worthy amount of money. Would that hold more sway than if Gupta and whoever else is currently with the Wolves?

Connelly seems like a guy that likes his players but also has made some deals and let's some guys go. Vanderbilt and Beasley are guys he had with him in Denver and of course Finch coached there too and Micah Nori too. He isn't coming into unfamiliar territory. Of course he has been around the league a long time and has his brothers in the league too so that's not a big deal if he wasn't but he is coming to a place where there are some people he knows plenty well.

If you are a Hartenstein fan Connelly signed him in Denver so that's more than anyone did with the Wolves previously. Lol

Monster, this is a results oriented business. We all know KAT is ultra talented and puts up numbers. But is he a winner? I really think that question needs to be asked before you spend that kind of doh-re-me on him. He's never won anything, and with his immaturity you can legitimately ask the question if he ever will. Frank Kaminski outplayed him in the final 4 when he had arguably the best college team ever behind him. We could get an awful lot for him at this point in his career and save a whole lot of jack. This is going to be Ant's team, and I'm betting he can win for a long time. It would no doubt be tough to trade KAT right now, but I think I would do that before paying him the Super max.

[Monster]

I've had the thought that Connelly could have done better dealing Beasley and maybe even Juancho. The thing is Juancho and Beasley were inconsistent and Juancho kept getting hurt. Obviously there is a lot of nuance that someone that was a fan of the Nuggets at the time could clue us in on it simply look back and Beasley's career and what the Nuggets were doing and then tell me when exactly it was that Connelly was supposed to maximize his value. After their 54 win season and Beasley breaking out but it was basically his first year playing legit minutes? Was someone going to give up like 2 first round picks for him or something for a bench player that did play well for most of the season (he shot poorly down the stretch of that season). I think it's easy to look back at trade we made with Denver and say that the Nuggets got a 1st round pick for Beasley Rosas wanted Juancho and Rosas also did a nice job of getting Vanderbilt for KBD. Juancho's value likely went up after his time with the Wolves. If he had sat on Denver's bench and continued to be underwhelming he probably would have gotten some offers based on some potential still but probably half or less of what the Wolves signed him for. Sometimes as a GM one thing that is valuable is simply knowing when to move on from a guy even if that player might even have value to another organization. Connelly is going to have to make some decisions that are similar with players currently on the Wolves roster.

[D-Mac [enjin:19736340]]

I think it's a near certainty that Tim Connelly offers Karl-Anthony Towns the super max extension as it's assumed Towns makes one of the All-NBA teams. That's the correct call, in my opinion, as I don't think Towns' production is easily replaced. I'm definitely not a fan of his on-court tantrums and I think he would significantly benefit from shaking the victim mentality he exudes, but there's no doubting his ability to score the basketball at an elite level for a big and do so with absurd efficiency. He's also greatly improved on the defensive end-- maybe more so than he's been given credit for. Towns will never be the best player on a championship team, but I think he'd be an excellent second-best player and we need to have faith that Anthony Edwards can continue to develop and become that guy. That has to be the plan right now.

As far as D'Angelo Russell goes, I actually think Connelly might value his game more than someone like Sachin Gupta would given the former's background as a scout. I think, like Gersson Rosas, Connelly might have respect for all the things Russell provides and is capable of doing on the court than the perhaps more analytically-driven Gupta. Will that result in an extension or some sort of transaction? Obviously, we have no idea and this is all speculation from my end. I just tend to think that if Connelly valued Jamal Murray highly then he might also like what Russell provides to some degree. As we've discussed before, Russell staying in Minnesota longer than next year directly correlates to what kind of money he's asking for on his next deal.

Why am I not surprised. Yeah let's compare the way he valued Murray to the way he'd value Dlo, like they're the same level of player. Cmon man, Dlo sucks. No competent pbo or gm is going to give Dlo what he wants for an extension. I'm good with this hire, because it's not like it counts against the cap, but the people saying this guy is a top 5 pbo are reaching. In my view he's middle of the road, and therefore overpaid, but that's fine.

[D-Mac [enjin:19736340]]

I think it's a near certainty that Tim Connelly offers Karl-Anthony Towns the super max extension as it's assumed Towns makes one of the All-NBA teams. That's the correct call, in my opinion, as I don't think Towns' production is easily replaced. I'm definitely not a fan of his on-court tantrums and I think he would significantly benefit from shaking the victim mentality he exudes, but there's no doubting his ability to score the basketball at an elite level for a big and do so with absurd efficiency. He's also greatly improved on the defensive end-- maybe more so than he's been given credit for. Towns will never be the best player on a championship team, but I think he'd be an excellent second-best player and we need to have faith that Anthony Edwards can continue to develop and become that guy. That has to be the plan right now.

As far as D'Angelo Russell goes, I actually think Connelly might value his game more than someone like Sachin Gupta would given the former's background as a scout. I think, like Gersson Rosas, Connelly might have respect for all the things Russell provides and is capable of doing on the court than the perhaps more analytically-driven Gupta. Will that result in an extension or some sort of transaction? Obviously, we have no idea and this is all speculation from my end. I just tend to think that if Connelly valued Jamal Murray highly then he might also like what Russell provides to some degree. As we've discussed before, Russell staying in Minnesota longer than next year directly correlates to what kind of money he's asking for on his next deal.

Good analysis, Cam. I can't disagree with anything you wrote. I, too, see Connelly giving Towns the super max extension. I think you line of reasoning on Connelly possibly valuing DLO more than Gupta does. But hard to know. And as you said, even if he does, it's hard to predict whether that translates into keeping him. As I've said in other posts, I don't see any realistic DLO deals that I could confidently predict would make the Wolves better next season. I could envision trading him to move up in the draft if there's a player Connelly really likes longer term. But I think DLO will be around for at least one more season and I thought that would be the case under Gupta as well. Beyond next season, who knows. One caveat is whether there are chemistry issues between DLO and other key players or Finch. I read something a couple weeks ago to suggest that there are some issues with DLO along those lines. If so, then I could see Connelly being more likely that Gupta to move DLO this summer. Connelly is clearly more of a chemistry/culture guy than Gupta. And as the new PBO with absolutely no ties to DLO, he might be more inclined to move DLO if the return value is adequate.

This
Unless Connelly reverts from what he has done previously he pays people that are high level basketball players and Towns is that. Towns is also even though annoying at times is also a quality person.

As for Russell...and some other guys that are on the roster that wil be FAs soon it will be interesting to see what Connelly does. He hasn't been a super tough negotiator so idk what he will do. What if there is some sort of conversation between Russell (or his representatives) and Connelly and Connelly one of the top executives in the league says Russell is only worthy amount of money. Would that hold more sway than if Gupta and whoever else is currently with the Wolves?

Connelly seems like a guy that likes his players but also has made some deals and let's some guys go. Vanderbilt and Beasley are guys he had with him in Denver and of course Finch coached there too and Micah Nori too. He isn't coming into unfamiliar territory. Of course he has been around the league a long time and has his brothers in the league too so that's not a big deal if he wasn't but he is coming to a place where there are some people he knows plenty well.

If you are a Hartenstein fan Connelly signed him in Denver so that's more than anyone did with the Wolves previously. Lol

Monster, this is a results oriented business. We all know KAT is ultra talented and puts up numbers. But is he a winner? I really think that question needs to be asked before you spend that kind of doh-re-me on him. He's never won anything, and with his immaturity you can legitimately ask the question if he ever will. Frank Kaminski outplayed him in the final 4 when he had arguably the best college team ever behind him. We could get an awful lot for him at this point in his career and save a whole lot of jack. This is going to be Ant's team, and I'm betting he can win for a long time. It would no doubt be tough to trade KAT right now, but I think I would do that before paying him the Super max.

I could go either way on this. Just know that If you don't super max him you'd better be ready to trade him. I don't love this guys ability to make good trades though. If he decided to trade Dlo and kat because he didn't think kat was worth a super max I'd support that.

[KG4Ever]

Tim Connelly Draft History:

2021:
B. Hyland (#26)

2020:
Z. Nnaji (#22)
R. Hampton (#24)

2018:
M. Porter Jr. (#14)
J. Vanderbilt (#41)

2017:
M. Morris (#51)

2016:
J. Murray (#7)
J. Hernangomez (#15)
M. Beasley (#19)

2014:
J. Nurkic (#16)
G. Harris (#19)
N. Jokic (#41)

You left off some misses. Shortly after coming to Denver, he was there for the 2013 draft where Denver drafted and traded Gobert to Utah (ironically, Denver also drafted and traded Donovan Mitchell to Utah too). In 2015, Denver drafted Mudiay (ahead of Devin Booker, Myles Turner and Terry Rozier). In 2017, Denver took Tyler Lydon in first round. In 2019, Denver didn't have a first round pick as they traded it to dump Faried's contract, which was signed on Connelly's watch. Still, I like Connelly's drafting but he's had some misses and he has done a better job at drafting offensive minded players, but hasn't had as much success in drafting defensive players (with the possible exception of Gary Harris and Vando).