David

Kahn

Flip coached the Wolves from 1995-2005 and he has been advising team owner Glen Taylor this season, which seems to be fueling the speculation. Rick Adelman has three more years on his contract but his future with the team is also uncertain -- he nearly resigned when his wife became ill this season, and Star-Tribune writer Sid Hartman theorizes that “Saunders [could end up] coaching as well as being general manager if Adelman leaves.” We will reiterate that for now this is simple speculation, but it sounds like big changes could be afoot in Minnesota.

Owner Glen Taylor said he hasn’t yet decided on whether or not to exercise the option on Kahn’s contract for next season, so despite a report from Ric Bucher indicating that Kahn would be back, no official determination has been made.

Some might be surprised, but this has been brewing for far too long for it not to happen. Saunders is reportedly negotiating a contract that could run through 2017-18 and pay him over $9M during that span. The move is expected to become official as early as next week, and Kahn’s option for the 2013/14 season will not be exercised. Some of Kahn’s more “notable” draft picks include Jonny Flynn and Wesley Johnson, both top 10 selections.

Adelman has taken on an increasingly large role in the front office since he initially was hired in Minnesota, and if Adelman does indeed return, it would not be a surprise to see the team let Kahn walk out the door. Kahn’s contract expires after the NBA Finals. “All I’m doing is doing my job every day,” Kahn said.

“I think it’s a team that’s a force to be reckoned with the next seven to 10 years,” Kahn said. While making the playoffs would be a good start before making statements like that, we’d expect Kahn to toot his own horn as he builds his resume to look for his next opportunity.

Kahn likely doesn’t even want to return because he knows he’ll get the axe, and at least his final days on the job involve traveling through Europe. In all sincerity, it is expected Kahn will be relieved of his duties sooner rather than later with Flip Saunders replacing him.

The Wolves declined to exercise a one-year option in Kahn’s contract and will likely replace him with former coach Flip Saunders. Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press reported earlier Thursday that Saunders’ deal is expected to be finalized by Friday, returning him to the franchise he coached from 1995-2005. It remains to be seen what will happen with current coach Rick Adelman, although reports of him returning in 2013-14 have been optimistic. Stay tuned.