Negotiations between Lore, A-Rod and Taylor for sale of Timberwolves continue

DETROIT – The 30-day negotiation window between Timberwolves and Lynx owner Glen Taylor and prospective new owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez has expired, but negotiations between the parties continue on an agreement for the purchase of the franchises, sources said Tuesday.

The expiration of the 30-day exclusivity window without a deal does not mean talks have broken down and there could be an extension to that agreement, ESPN reported.

In April, Taylor reached the agreement with Lore and Rodriguez for the potential $1.5 billion sale of the Wolves and Lynx, with Taylor maintaining controlling ownership for two years before Lore and Rodriguez would take over in 2023.

Taylor also said there would be language in the contract to keep the Wolves in Minnesota. It's unclear how enforceable such language would be, but Taylor also said the NBA would have to approve any move and the league does not want to move the Wolves out of Minnesota.

Lore, an entrepreneur, and Rodriguez, the former superstar baseball player, met with the team and staff last month and have been at games as well, with Rodriguez sitting courtside for the Wolves' game at Miami on Friday.

Taylor has entered exclusive windows of negotiation before for the sale of the franchise, most recently with former Grizzlies minority owner Daniel Straus last year.

Even with Jaden McDaniels back from a two-game absence to attend a family funeral, Jarred Vanderbilt still was a starter Tuesday. Vanderbilt, a free agent after this season, had his best year as a pro in averaging 5.3 points and 5.6 rebounds. Vanderbilt has closed the season strong in averaging 7.3 rebounds in just 19.1 minutes per game over his past 13 games.

Vanderbilt said when the Wolves traded with Denver for him a year ago he "didn't know what to think." It seems to have worked out for Vanderbilt.

"I figured since they did kind of want me and traded for me eventually I would get an opportunity here, especially coming from a loaded frontcourt in Denver," Vanderbilt said. "Eventually I was probably going to get an opportunity."

Vanderbilt dealt with injuries and time in the G-League during the first two years of his career. But he said he didn't get frustrated.

"I was grateful," he said. "I like how the process went. My first couple years I didn't play much, but I feel like I learned a lot. I was able to grow, develop and get better, so my time there definitely wasn't wasted. It kind of prepared me right now. It was great to have those two years and develop, learn from some of those vets over there and able to apply now and use it, utilize it now and I feel like it did prepare me for my time here."

Given his rebounding prowess, Vanderbilt earned the moniker of "Young Dennis Rodman" from Karl-Anthony Towns.

"He's doing everything you can ask and plus some," Towns said. "He works his tail off. He comes in every day with an amazing attitude, a great teammate, everyone loves him. I could speak so highly of Vando all night."

Juancho Hernangomez missed Sunday's game at Orlando because of a left quad contusion but he was available to play Tuesday. Coach Chris Finch said it wasn't looking like Malik Beasley would make it back for any of the final three games because of the hamstring strain that has sidelined him since April 2. Finch added that Beasley would be re-evaluated in the days to come.