Negotiations between the Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis are expected to continue over the weekend, and Minnesota hopes to finalize a deal to make Rambis the head coach by Monday or Tuesday, a person with knowledge of the situation said today.
The Pioneer Press reported Thursday that, barring an unexpected snag, Rambis is expected to accept a four-year contract for about $8 million.
He and his agent entered into negotiations with the Wolves on Thursday, a day after Rambis flew to the Twin Cities to meet with owner Glen Taylor and other team officials.
Rambis is the only candidate to have met with Taylor, and there are no plans to bring in either of the other two finalists: ESPN/ABC analyst Mark Jackson and Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner.
What do you think of Kurt Rambis as a coach?
(Shaq makes distortion noises over the phone, hangs up and calls back). “That’s what I like about him, and if you ask me the same question again, I’ll lose another connection.”
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves should be between $16 million and $18 million under the cap next season, depending on whether they pick up their option on Ryan Gomes. New GM David Kahn should be poised to spend the money. But the real question is, will any top NBA free agent choose the Wolves over big-market teams like the Knicks, Nets, Bulls and Heat?
From
YouTube: Inside the USA Basketball Mini-Camp – 2009 (Video)
Kevin Love talks about being a part of the camp.
— Owners Zygi Wilf of the Vikings and Glen Taylor of the Timberwolves were spotted recently chatting on the sidelines during a Vikings workout in Mankato, where Taylor resides. No, Taylor said, the two billionaires didn’t talk about the possibility of joining forces or Taylor buying the team.
They did mention the tough economy and how it affects their teams. Taylor, who before Wilf bought the Vikings for $600 million five years ago had been interested — but at a more reasonable price — isn’t interested in investing in the NFL team because he’s still intent on rebuilding his Wolves.
There’s a bit of sweet irony in Rambis’s replacing of the ousted Kevin McHale. During the 1984 Finals between the Celtics and the Lakers, McHale clotheslined Rambis to the floor as Rambis went in for a layup. The laid-out Rambis immediately sprang from the court and looked quite intent on whooping the lanky Hibbing native’s ass. (Un)fortunately, Laker James Worthy swooped in and stopped his teammate from doing anything that might warrant a suspension. Larry Bird, acting as peace-maker, arrived to help Rambis to his feet. Nevertheless, the heated fracas ignited both benches and shifted momentum in Boston’s favor.
