WOULD they jump?
These college coaches have been rumored to have the interest of Wolves GM Flip Saunders:
Tom Izzo, Michigan State
Why he might: At age 59, he's done all there is to do at Michigan State and might want one last career challenge. Plus, Flip Saunders is a close friend.
Why he wouldn't: He's king in East Lansing, and if he wants to try the NBA, he could commute to coach the Detroit Pistons.
The odds: Long shot, but not impossible because of the Flip connection.
Billy Donovan, Florida
Why he might: Seven years after he accepted the Orlando job and then changed his mind, he left the door open to the NBA when asked last month about coaching his hometown New York Knicks.
Why he wouldn't: He'll retire at Florida unless he takes any number of NBA jobs that are better than the Wolves'.
The odds: The longest of shots.
Fred Hoiberg, Iowa State
Why he might: He has a history with Saunders and the Wolves.
Why he wouldn't: Saunders said the time isn't right for Hoiberg to leave his hometown, where his children are content and where he has mayoral status. Saunders says Hoiberg's hiring "isn't happening."
The odds: As Flip likes to say, never say never.
JERRY ZGODA
