Tony Dejak / Associated Press
Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam is reportedly “exploring an offer” for the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, which have been put up for sale by owner Glen Taylor.
Sportico’s Scott Soshnick reported that Haslam’s interest came on Thursday after an exclusive trading window for the Straus group closed without a deal. Daniel Straus, a former Memphis Grizzlies investor, remains interested in the team but now faces competition from “several people”.
Taylor is seeking at least $ 1.2 billion for the T-Wolves, according to Soshnick. Forbes estimated the team’s worth at $ 1.3 billion, the third lowest total in the league.
In July, Taylor said Jon Krawczynski and Shams Charania of The Athletic the biggest condition of any sale was a guarantee that the team would not be transferred.
“Everyone has been told he has to stay in Minnesota,” he said.
Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett announced in July he would try to form another group with investors to help him compete in the bidding war.
Haslam, whose net worth is estimated at $ 2.9 billion from Forbes, has owned the Browns with his wife, Dee Haslam, since 2012.
Haslam Sports Group issued a statement to Sportico saying it “regularly evaluates potential investment opportunities in sports and entertainment, but any speculation about us currently pursuing such an investment would be inaccurate.”
Cleveland hasn’t had a winning record since the Haslams took over the franchise, extending the NFL playoff drought to 17 years.
