The Minnesota Timberwolves fired head coach Ryan Saunders, the struggling NBA franchise announced.
Minnesota dismissed Saunders following Sunday's 103-99 loss to the New York Knicks, which left the Timberwolves with a league-worst 7-24 record this season.
The Timberwolves are reportedly finalising a multi-year deal to hire Toronto Raptors assistant Chris Finch.
Minnesota hired former assistant Saunders in 2019, but the 34-year-old oversaw a 43-95 record as coach.
NEWS: @Timberwolves Relieve Ryan Saunders of his Duties
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) February 22, 2021
Full release:https://t.co/FBS7qNr56u
"We would like to thank Ryan for his time and commitment to the Timberwolves organisation and wish him the best in the future," said president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas.
"These are difficult decisions to make, however this change is in the best interest of the organisation's short and long-term goals."
The Timberwolves have failed to reach the playoffs in the past two seasons, while Minnesota have only featured in the postseason once – a first-round defeat in 2017-18 – since Kevin Durant led the franchise to the Western Conference Finals in 2003-04.
Top Headlines
Featured Matches
Football
Arsenal
English Premier League
2-0
Brighton and Hove Albion
Aston Villa
English Premier League
2-0
Chelsea
Fulham
English Premier League
0-1
Newcastle United
Leeds United
English Premier League
2-0
West Bromwich Albion
Leicester City
English Premier League
2-1
Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City
English Premier League
2-0
Everton
Liverpool
English Premier League
1-0
Crystal Palace
Cricket
Sussex
Sri Lanka
Teams will be announced at the toss
Multan Sul..
Quetta Gla..
Teams will be announced at the toss
Islamabad..
Karachi Ki..
Teams will be announced at the toss
Peshawar Z..
Lahore Qal..
Teams will be announced at the toss
Islamabad..
Quetta Gla..
Teams will be announced at the toss
Lahore Qal..
Islamabad..
Teams will be announced at the toss
Mumbai Ind..
Delhi Capi..
Teams will be announced at the toss