The NBA made it official this week: Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez are now the controlling owners of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. It’s a new day in Minnesota basketball — one filled with optimism, high expectations, and real momentum.
We fully support the league’s decision and this transition. In fact, we believe it positions both franchises for unprecedented success moving forward. Lore and Rodriguez have earned this moment, and the organizations — and their fans — are fortunate to have them leading the way.
The Foundation Is Built — And It’s Solid
Last season, the Timberwolves put together one of their most complete and consistent campaigns in recent history, finishing with a 58-39 record (including the playoffs) — their best mark since 2004. They secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and advanced to the conference semifinals before falling in a hard-fought six-game series.
But what makes this team special is what’s coming back.
Anthony Edwards is on the verge of superstardom — if he’s not already there. The 23-year-old averaged 27.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in 2024-25, and his playoff performance raised eyebrows across the league. His leadership, swagger, and dedication to both ends of the floor have made him the face of the franchise — and a serious MVP candidate in the years to come.
Jaden McDaniels, often referred to as one of the NBA’s best-kept secrets, continues to shine as a defensive ace. The 6-foot-9 wing averaged 11.7 points and locked down some of the league’s top scorers on a nightly basis. His 1.2 steals per game and switchability made him essential to Minnesota’s top-five rated defense.
Rudy Gobert, the 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year runner-up, anchored the Wolves' defense with 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. His presence in the paint was a major reason the Wolves held opponents to the lowest field goal percentage inside five feet last season.
Mike Conley, though entering the twilight of his career, provided invaluable leadership and steady hands at point guard. He averaged 10.4 points and 5.9 assists while boasting a 4.2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio — the best among NBA starters. His calm demeanor and playoff experience were crucial to the Wolves’ rise.
Bench depth was also key, with Naz Reid stepping up as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year. Reid averaged 13.1 points and 5.4 rebounds in just 23 minutes per game, providing scoring punch and toughness off the bench.
Chris Finch Deserves His Flowers
Let’s talk about head coach Chris Finch. Under his guidance, the Timberwolves have become a cohesive, defensive-minded, hard-playing unit — a far cry from the inconsistent squads of the past decade.
Finch has earned the full confidence of the locker room and the front office. His offensive system maximizes the team’s unique blend of size, athleticism and shooting, and his in-game adjustments during the playoffs earned high praise from analysts across the league.
Perhaps most importantly, Finch has helped Anthony Edwards mature into a leader. That kind of growth doesn’t happen without a coach who knows how to connect — and Finch has done exactly that. He has my full confidence as the man to lead this team deeper into the postseason.
The Ownership Minnesota Deserves
Lore and Rodriguez aren’t just wealthy investors. They’re visionary leaders who have earned this opportunity through strategic thinking, business acumen, and a clear commitment to Minnesota.
They’ve been patiently planning for this day since 2021. Now that the NBA Board of Governors has approved the sale, Lore and Rodriguez will assume full control of the Timberwolves, Lynx and G League affiliate Iowa Wolves.
Their priorities are clear:
- Build a championship culture rooted in character and competitiveness
- Innovate on and off the court, with best-in-class fan experiences
- Stay deeply engaged in the community they now serve
They’ve said all the right things. But more importantly, they’ve done the right things — and we believe in their vision.
Both bring unique and complementary strengths. Lore’s record as a tech entrepreneur shows he knows how to build organizations from the ground up. Rodriguez, a 14-time MLB All-Star and World Series champion, understands what it takes to win under pressure.
They’re not here to tread water. They’re here to make history.
It’s Time for a New Arena
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Target Center — while beloved by many of us — is among the oldest arenas in the NBA. It’s time for a serious conversation about a new, world-class venue that reflects the team’s trajectory and meets the evolving expectations of fans, players and the league.
A modern arena would do more than increase revenue. It would solidify Minnesota’s place as a premier NBA city. With Lore and Rodriguez in charge, we hope this becomes a top priority — and that state and local leaders step up to help make it happen.
Why Wolves Fans Should Be Excited
The Timberwolves are no longer just a young team with potential. They’re a contender. The players are hungry. The front office is smart. The coach is capable. And now, the ownership is in place to take this franchise to heights we’ve only dreamed about.
This is our time.
The 2025-26 season is just around the corner. Season ticket sales are surging. Hype videos are loading. And for the first time in decades, we enter a new era with genuine belief that the best is not just possible — it’s probable.
Let’s go, Wolves. Let’s bring it home.
