T'Wolves Owner Glen Taylor last night “confirmed” that he has had conversations with former coach Flip Saunders about purchasing the team, according to Jon Krawczynski of the AP. Saunders “approached Taylor at the behest of a group of prospective buyers.” The identities of the investors “were not immediately known.” If the group is “successful in purchasing the team, Saunders would be expected to take over as the leader of basketball operations.” Taylor fired Saunders as coach in ‘05, but the two “long ago repaired any damage done to their relationship by that move and Taylor occasionally chats with Saunders about basketball matters.” Minneapolis-based KFXN-AM “first reported the talks, but a deal is far from imminent.” There is “still no timetable” for Taylor to make a deal, and he “may want to see what plays out with the Kings first before making a move.” Taylor said that he “would evaluate” the job status of T'Wolves President of Basketball Operations David Kahn “once the season is over.” Taylor: “This has been a terrible season (because of injuries). I don’t know if I can blame it on David” (AP, 3/4). In Minneapolis, Sid Hartman wrote there is a “strong possibility that Saunders will replace Kahn before next season.” Hartman: “I wouldn't be surprised to see a real shakeup in the Wolves organization if they don't have a very strong finish.” That could “include Saunders coaching as well as being general manager if [coach Rick] Adelman leaves.” Saunders would “hire a top personnel executive to help him if he decided to coach” (Minneapolis STAR-TRIBUNE, 3/3).
