Timberwolves reward HC Chris Finch with contract extension

The Minnesota Timberwolves have rewarded head coach Chris Finch with a contract extension after he led them to arguably the most impressive season in franchise history.

Finch and the Wolves have agreed to a four-year deal that will ensure the link lasts through the 2027/28 season, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday:

As Wojnarowski points out, Minnesota has made the playoffs in three consecutive seasons under Finch, including a berth in the Western Conference finals this year.

The Timberwolves posted their best win-loss record (56-26) in two decades and advanced to their first and only other NBA Final Four appearance since then. Finch tore his right patellar tendon during Minnesota’s playoff run and required surgery. Even a serious injury couldn’t keep him away from the team – he was leading the team’s practice just one day after his surgery.

Against all odds, Finch has proven that the frontcourt duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert can be successful, even when many doubt their on-court capabilities. In addition, he has been instrumental in the rapid and steady rise of up-and-coming All-NBA wing Anthony Edwards.

Minnesota has become a defensive force with Finch at the helm. This season, they ranked first in the NBA in defensive rating (109.0) and opponent points per game (106.5). Gobert was named Defensive Player of the Year for leading the best unit in basketball.

Finch, 54, finished third in voting for 2023-24 Coach of the Year and has been considered for the award in two of the last three seasons. He was named Western Conference Coach of the Month for October and November thanks to the Wolves’ sparkling 14-4 start.

Despite an ongoing ownership dispute, Timberwolves management views Finch as an integral part of their long-term future, which is evident through her new contract.

“Chris (Finch) is a wonderful coach and an even better person,” Tim Connelly, Timberwolves president of basketball operations, said in a statement Monday. “Under his leadership, the team has improved each year – he is the perfect leader for our organization.”