Denver Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly is set to meet with the Washington Wizards at some point this weekend. According to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Wizards are interested in hiring Connelly as their president of basketball ops.
The Nuggets' willingness to grant permission for Washington to talk to its Executive of the Year candidate is rooted in Connelly's deep ties to the Mid-Atlantic region and some extenuating family considerations, league sources said. Connelly holds a great affection for the Nuggets organization and would've only considered an overture from Washington.
The Denver ownership's confidence in general manager Arturas Karnisovas' ability to assume full control of basketball operations, if needed, also played a part in its decision to allow Connelly to hear out Washington owner Ted Leonsis, league sources said.
Connelly and Nuggets president and governor Josh Kroenke maintain a strong relationship. It is unlikely that Connelly would've sought to consider another job except for the Wizards.
Under Connelly's direction and construction this season, the Nuggets earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. However, Denver was sent home in the semifinal round, as they were defeated by the Portland Trail Blazers, 4-3.
Connelly is viewed as a candidate for the NBA's Executive of the Year award. He signed a contract extension with the Nuggets in February, but the Wizards could offer him a better deal, which would include more years and the ability to mold the franchise in a fashion he sees fit.
Connelly has been involved with the NBA in some fashion since 1996, when he joined the Wizards as an intern. The Baltimore native quickly worked his way up the ranks, becoming a video coordinator, scout and personnel director. He later became an assistant general manager in New Orleans in 2010.
Joining the Wizards could be a good thing for Connelly on a personal level. His wife is from the D.C. area, and their extended family is currently living in the region.
Whether or not the Wizards will be able to land Connelly remains to be seen, but it certainly sounds like there is a high level of interest.
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