Wolves Annual Stakeholder Meeting
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2026 10:31 am
Yesterday I attended the Wolves first annual stakeholder meeting between Wolves executives and season ticket holders. The Wolves had their new CEO, Matt Caldwell, Tim Connelly and Chris Finch. Allen Horton moderated, asking a series of questions and then turning it over to season ticket holders to ask questions. We were asked not to record any of the meeting. Tim and Chris were refreshingly candid. Here are some high level take-aways:
1. Anyone with thoughts of trading Rudy or Randle should cast those thoughts aside. The chances of either being traded by the deadline the same as the chances of Edwards being traded — zero. Tim and Chris were effusive in their praise of both, referring to each as critical to the team’s success.
2. Chris Finch noted that the team has flaws — the biggest of which he identified as inconsistent effort. It was amazing to hear him say that he believe there was something akin to a mentality of boredom among some on the team. It was troubling to hear that but it confirms my view that this team has an intensity problem. He believes that mentality issue has disappeared and that the players have shifted gears and adopted a sense of urgency.
3. Chris referred to the early loss to the Suns in Phoenix as the worst loss of his entire basketball career. I thought that was interesting - especially when you consider the more recent losses to Atlanta and the Nets just this season.
4. Tim identified the main area of improvement for this team needs to achieve the organization’s championship aspirations is better non-Rudy defense.
5. Regarding possible roster additions/trades, Tim said the team would possibly benefit from bringing in “connective-tissue” players who make teammates better. Sounds like a Tyus Jones type to me. Tim said the team will be very active in exploring possibilities - via trades or FA signings. But it’s clear Tim and Chris like the current team and aren’t going to do anything out of desperation. Tim made it clear that the organization’s top priority is to have a sustainable winning franchise that puts itself in position to contend every season. So they’re not going to bet the farm on a “win now at all cost” move.
6. Regarding Dillingham, Finch said Rob’s shooting issues are from a lack of confidence. He said that part of the challenge for Rob is that he’s being asked to play a role that might be somewhat outside Rob’s familiar comfort zone. He and Tim both said you have to understand how young he is. Tim noted that Ant and Jaden are still improving at ages 24 and 25 after tons of NBA minutes. Chris said that although Rob fallen out of the rotation, it’s likely that he’ll be back in the rotation later this season.
7. Regarding Edwards, Chris said that Ant is finally starting to get good in his new role as the team’s lead guard - making his teammates better. He said Ant has taken that role very seriously.
8. Matt said a new arena is likely 5-7 years away and that locating it downtown Minneapolis is top priority. The mayor is very supportive. N
1. Anyone with thoughts of trading Rudy or Randle should cast those thoughts aside. The chances of either being traded by the deadline the same as the chances of Edwards being traded — zero. Tim and Chris were effusive in their praise of both, referring to each as critical to the team’s success.
2. Chris Finch noted that the team has flaws — the biggest of which he identified as inconsistent effort. It was amazing to hear him say that he believe there was something akin to a mentality of boredom among some on the team. It was troubling to hear that but it confirms my view that this team has an intensity problem. He believes that mentality issue has disappeared and that the players have shifted gears and adopted a sense of urgency.
3. Chris referred to the early loss to the Suns in Phoenix as the worst loss of his entire basketball career. I thought that was interesting - especially when you consider the more recent losses to Atlanta and the Nets just this season.
4. Tim identified the main area of improvement for this team needs to achieve the organization’s championship aspirations is better non-Rudy defense.
5. Regarding possible roster additions/trades, Tim said the team would possibly benefit from bringing in “connective-tissue” players who make teammates better. Sounds like a Tyus Jones type to me. Tim said the team will be very active in exploring possibilities - via trades or FA signings. But it’s clear Tim and Chris like the current team and aren’t going to do anything out of desperation. Tim made it clear that the organization’s top priority is to have a sustainable winning franchise that puts itself in position to contend every season. So they’re not going to bet the farm on a “win now at all cost” move.
6. Regarding Dillingham, Finch said Rob’s shooting issues are from a lack of confidence. He said that part of the challenge for Rob is that he’s being asked to play a role that might be somewhat outside Rob’s familiar comfort zone. He and Tim both said you have to understand how young he is. Tim noted that Ant and Jaden are still improving at ages 24 and 25 after tons of NBA minutes. Chris said that although Rob fallen out of the rotation, it’s likely that he’ll be back in the rotation later this season.
7. Regarding Edwards, Chris said that Ant is finally starting to get good in his new role as the team’s lead guard - making his teammates better. He said Ant has taken that role very seriously.
8. Matt said a new arena is likely 5-7 years away and that locating it downtown Minneapolis is top priority. The mayor is very supportive. N