Mavericks' GM hunt suddenly takes unexpected turn as serious candidate emerges

The Dallas Mavericks' general manager search has been one of the hottest topics over the last few weeks, and a serious candidate has emerged. League sources told The Smoking Cuban that Dallas has a strong interest in Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, if he leaves Minnesota this summer, and this is looking like a possibility.

Tim Connelly is a strong GM option for Dallas

His standing with the Timberwolves could depend on where they finish in the playoffs, and he has helped lead Minnesota to the Western Conference Finals in the last two seasons. Dallas would have to request permission to interview Connelly, given that his contract doesn't expire until the end of next season, and he would likely have support within the Mavericks organization if they do pursue him.

Mavericks president Ethan Casson worked with Connelly for three years in Minnesota, and he could push for the team to consider him.

A few weeks ago, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that one of Brad Stevens, Sam Presti, or Connelly would listen to the Mavericks if they pursued them to become their next general manager. That report was widely interpreted as a reference to Connelly, given Stevens and Presti's standing with their organizations, and sources indicated that Connelly would be open to consideration from the Mavericks.

He may not be a flashy name like Bob Myers, but he has enough experience that Mavs fans should be excited if they were able to pry him away from the Timberwolves. Connelly helped build the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota into championship contenders, and fans would be hoping that he could do the same thing in Dallas.

The Mavericks have the ultimate weapon to lure an elite GM, as they'd have the opportunity to build around a 19-year-old star in Cooper Flagg. He's well on his way to becoming one of the best forwards in the NBA, and forming a team around a two-way menace like Flagg has to be appealing for many of these candidates.

Why Bob Myers remains a long shot to land in Dallas

While Myers has been high on the Mavericks' wish list for some time now, it's going to take a significant shift to get him to Dallas. Myers is comfortable in his role as the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, and sources indicated it would be a major challenge to get him to leave California for Dallas.

Both Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley are expected to be considered for this role, but there's a sense that the hire will be external as the 2025-26 season wraps up. Interviews and the offseason itself will give fans a much better idea of who the team wants to hire, as they're looking to bring someone in before the 2026 NBA Draft.

The Mavericks are poised to have two first-round picks in this draft, and their next decision-maker will be in charge of pursuing Flagg's potential co-star in the lottery as they look to return to the NBA Playoffs next season.