A significant feud is unfolding in Minnesota between current Timberwolves and Lynx owner Glen Taylor and potential buyers Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore. Despite concerns that the escalating drama surrounding the halted sale of the team might impact on-court performances, the players have swiftly dispelled any such worries.
The Timberwolves stretched their winning streak to four games with a commanding 111-98 triumph over the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, on Friday, propelling them back into the top spot in the Western Conference. In the aftermath of the victory, players offered their perspectives on the behind-the-scenes developments, affirming their unwavering focus on the game.
“I don’t believe it affects the players to a great extent,” remarked Mike Conley to the Star Tribune. “Perhaps it alters the perception of the team, the ambiance surrounding it. But in terms of the players, I think we simply acknowledge it and then shift our attention back to studying film and preparing for [Nikola] Jokic, Jamal Murray, [Michael] Porter, and the rest of the squad. It’s an unusual situation and one over which we have no control. Our focus remains squarely on executing our duties.”
Star guard Anthony Edwards appeared oblivious to the ongoing drama, stating his lack of social media prevented him from being informed. “I don’t have social media, so I don’t know nothin’ about nothin’,” Edwards remarked, emphasizing his focus on basketball alone. “I just found out today. Yeah, that has nothing to do with me. I’m just here to play basketball. Wherever that go, that go.”
Their recent performances validate their claims. The Wolves have notched over 50 wins for the first time since 2004 and are poised to secure the second-most wins in franchise history. With the playoffs looming, they aim to clinch their first series win since 2004 and possibly vie for the Western Conference title.
Amidst these achievements, the saga between Taylor, Rodriguez, and Lore rages on, both in the media and the courtroom. Taylor announced on Thursday that the deal was off, alleging Rodriguez and Lore missed the purchase deadline. “The Timberwolves and Lynx are no longer for sale,” Taylor declared in a press release.
Rodriguez and Lore dispute Taylor’s claims, asserting they fulfilled their obligations and accusing him of “seller’s remorse.” Undeterred, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of ownership. “It is now personal,” Rodriguez asserted to The Athletic. “We can be in this (fight) for five years, 10 years, whatever. We’re not going to let go.”
