Make that three candidates to withdraw from the Minnesota Timberwolves’ search for a new head of basketball operations.

Portland Trail Blazers assistant general manager Tom Penn on Monday took his name out of the running for the position after receiving a promotion from the Blazers.

Penn’s pullout, on the eve of the NBA draft lottery, follows the withdrawals of initial top candidate Dennis Lindsey of the San Antonio Spurs and former Miami Heat general manager Randy Pfund.

“It was a real tough call on his part,” Warren LeGarie, Penn’s agent, told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher, “but he’s found a home in Portland and a niche within the organization where he thought there was more to contribute to an eventual championship. The friendships and relationships there were a siren call to return.”

The offer of a new contract and a still-to-be-specified elevated position — possibly vice president of basketball operations — also factored into Penn’s decision to stay with the Blazers, Bucher reports.
UPDATE:
Sounds like the Wolves just got played by Penn for a new contract, more money and a new title from kajillionaire owner Paul Allen and the Blazers.