San Antonio Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey, widely billed as the Wolves’ No. 1 target, has withdrawn from consideration, according to sources with knowledge of Minnesota’s search.

Lindsey is one of only two known external candidates, along with former Indiana Pacers executive David Kahn, to interview for the position, although one source said Friday that former Miami Heat general manager Randy Pfund could soon interview with the Wolves if he already hasn’t.

 

ESPN’s Marc Stein reported this afternoon that Lindsey has pulled out here, which follows everything I’ve been hearing about his differences with Wolves owner Glen Taylor over “control” issues and his doubts that the franchise is willing to spend what it takes to build a championship-contending organization.

Of the four candidates remaining, I’d say Pfund is probably the next choice, but Taylor and CEO Rob Moor might run into the same issues landing him as they did with Lindsey.

I’m also looks like of the two internal candidates — Stack and Fred Hoiberg –  Stack has emerged as the choice if the Wolves stay in house, a decision that would be a tough sell with a dwinding fan base that more than anything needs a reason to hope.

 

Lindsey had been considered the frontrunner for the position.

He also was regarded as a potentially difficult hire, however, as someone who would require a free hand to make whatever changes he deemed necessary to the team’s coaching staff and front office.

Lindsey’s withdrawal leaves former Indiana Pacers executive David Kahn as the only outside candidate confirmed to have interviewed with the Wolves, although Stein reported that former Miami Heat general manager Randy Pfund could do so soon “if he already hasn’t.”