Pistons may have one leading target in mind for team president job

The Detroit Pistons are moving toward the hire of a new team president, but that search may be delayed by their strong interest in one specific target.

The Pistons are believed to be interested in speaking with Minnesota Timberwolves top executive Tim Connelly, according to Shams Charania and James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. Connelly has the opportunity to opt out of the final year of his contract at the end of the season, and the Pistons will not be able to speak with him until then. That will not happen until Minnesota’s playoff run is over.

Connelly is still viewed as likely to return to the Timberwolves, but could be tempted away if the Pistons offer him something close to $15 million annually.

The Pistons have also spoken to a number of other candidates, including New Orleans’ Trajan Langdon, Dallas’ Dennis Lindsey and Chicago’s Marc Eversley. The team appears likely to make a hire within the next few weeks.

The organization is trying to streamline its front office after yet another poor season that saw it land the league’s worst record for the second consecutive season. Whoever does take over will have to deal with the team’s brutal draft lottery luck for at least another year.