Since the Timberwolves announced last week they would be seeking a new President of Basketball Operations, a few names have emerged as potential candidates. League sources told the Star Tribune Nuggets assistant General Manager Calvin Booth is a potential candidate, ESPN reported the Wolves received permission to speak with Clippers GM Michael Winger while the Houston Chronicle reported the Wolves also received permission to speak with Rockets vice president Gersson Rosas.
Here's a look at the potential candidates and their backgrounds.
Michael Winger: Winger, 39, came to the Clippers before the 2017-18 season and has worked under President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank. So far Winger has helped the Clippers orchestrate the trades of Blake Griffin to the Pistons and Tobias Harris to the 76ers. In the process, the Clippers remained competitive, reaching the playoffs this season while having enough salary-cap space to go after a maximum-contract level free agent this summer. These moves drew praise around the league. Before joining the Clippers, Winger served as assistant GM under Oklahoma City's Sam Presti from 2010-2017 as the Thunder became a threat in the Western Conference.
Gersson Rosas: Rosas, 40, has been a popular name in general manager searches the last few years. In fact, he was even hired for one. In 2013, he took the job with the Mavericks but resigned after three months when he reportedly didn't get as much control over Dallas' basketball operations as he wanted. Rosas has helped Rockets general manager Daryl Morey turn the Rockets into a Western Conference power that challenged the Warriors in the Western Conference finals last season. Rosas helped mold the Rockets' scouting staff at the college and professional levels. He was also a candidate for the Pelicans' opening this season.
Calvin Booth: If Taylor (who also owns the Star Tribune) wants to go with someone who knows the Wolves' culture, Booth, 42, would fit that bill. Currently the assistant GM of the Nuggets, Booth spent four years in the Wolves organization and by the end of his tenure was the director of pro personnel. He carried his talents in player development to Denver in 2017 where the Nuggets became the No. 2 seed this season thanks in part to improved seasons from the likes of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
