The Minnesota Timberwolves have launched a search for a new president of basketball operations, but it sounds like they'd like to retain general manager Scott Layden and interim coach Ryan Saunders as the team moves towards a new structure.
According to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Timberwolves are willing to offer Saunders a multi-year deal as the team's head coach:
The Timberwolves are hopeful to award Saunders a multiyear deal as coach, sources tell ESPN. Once completed, Saunders is likely to get a three-year deal with a team option on the final season.
Saunders became the head coach of the Timberwolves on Jan. 6 after Tom Thibodeau was fired. At that time, Saunders vowed that his team would play hard:
“Eighty-two games is 82 games, and we have a job to do,” Saunders told ESPN in January. “Every time we're here and any time we put our Wolves gear on to work; that was the message. That's what I expect going forward.”
Layden, who previously served as a general manager with the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks, will likely keep his job as well. However, Minnesota will be exploring its options:
Layden has successfully sold himself to ownership as a front-office executive independent of the foibles by his past boss, Tom Thibodeau, sources said. Minnesota will survey the marketplace for possible front-office executives to place above Layden.
This season hasn't gone as planned for Minnesota. With a 36-45 overall record, the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.
The Timberwolves will wrap up their 2018-19 campaign with a matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. Tip-off inside Pepsi Center is set for 10:30 p.m. ET.
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