Nuggets expected to hire Ryan Saunders as assistant coach

Feb 28, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA;Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Ryan Saunders looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Nuggets expected to hire former Timberwolves HC Ryan Saunders as assistant

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Jun 12, 2022 6:46 PM ET

Nearly three weeks ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves hired former Denver Nuggets president Tim Connelly on a five-year contract worth over $40 million that includes a stake in ownership. On Sunday, it was reported that the Nuggets may be flipping the script on the Timberwolves and poaching a former head coach in Minnesota.

The Denver Nuggets are expected to add former Timberwolves coach Ryan Saunders as an assistant coach on Michael Malone’s staff, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 12, 2022

The son of the late Flip Saunders, Ryan Saunders was hired as the Wolves interim head coach in January 2019 after Tom Thibodeau was fired. The 36-year-old Saunders was fired from Minnesota in February 2021 after posting a 43-94 record with the club.

Prior to joining the Timberwolves as an assistant in 2014, Saunders was an assistant for five seasons with the Washington Wizards beginning in 2009.

Michael Malone's Denver squad is coming off of a first-round playoff exit against the Golden State Warriors. Malone's longest-tenured assistant coach is Ryan Bowen, who's been with the team for seven seasons.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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