The Timberwolves have started negotiations to sign Rick Adelman as their next coach, league sources with knowledge of the search said Sunday.
David Kahn, Timberwolves president of basketball operations, might know as soon as Monday whether he can land the man who has a .605 winning percentage in 20 seasons as a NBA head coach.
Adelman, 65, is believed to be seeking a five-year contract worth at least $25 million.
The Houston Rockets did not re-sign Adelman when a four-year, $16.25 million contract he signed in 2007 expired after last season.
Adelman is one of seven candidates known to have interviewed for a job that opened when the Wolves fired Kurt Rambis in July. The others: Don Nelson, Sam Mitchell, Mike Woodson, Bernie Bickerstaff, Larry Brown and Terry Porter.
Why Adelman?
He is a proven winner and an offensive-minded coach who fits one big qualification -- his best teams have proven he's willing to play a fast-paced style -- that Kahn said he wants in a coach to lead a roster he built to run.
Adelman's presence also would be a proactive move toward convincing Kevin Love to sign a long-term contract extension. Love, who under the previous labor rules could become a restricted free agent next summer, has a relationship with the coach that dates to Love's junior-high days.
Adelman saw nearly every game Love played during his senior season at Lake Oswego, Ore., High School because his son, Patrick, played on the same team.
If the Wolves and Adelman can't reach a deal, the team is expected to choose either Nelson or Mitchell.
JERRY ZGODA
