The Iowa Energy will be affiliated with the Memphis Grizzlies no more. The Energy are being acquired by the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Timberwolves announced Monday:
Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor and the NBA Development League today announced a letter of intent from Taylor to purchase majority ownership in the NBA D-League’s Iowa Energy. Subject to finalization and NBA D-League approval of the transaction, Minnesota would become the 18th NBA team to own and operate an NBA D-League affiliate.
“It’s an exciting time in the NBA D-League as we welcome Glen Taylor and the Minnesota Timberwolves to our ownership ranks,” said NBA D-League President Malcolm Turner. “The Timberwolves are the latest in an ever-growing list of NBA teams that recognize the value an NBA D-League team brings to a franchise – a trend I’m confident will continue as the league grows to 30 teams.”
“We’re thrilled to bring the Iowa Energy into the Timberwolves family,” said Taylor. “It’s great knowing that we can develop our young players so close to home and enjoy all the other benefits that come with owning a D-League team. We look forward to growing our relationship with the greater Des Moines area, the state of Iowa and basketball fans across the Upper Midwest.”
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“The Minnesota Timberwolves are a first-class organization and we look forward to working with them here in Des Moines,” said SPECTRA’s Chris Connolly, general manager of the Iowa Events Center. “It will be exciting to see players develop on the Iowa Energy and to progress to play NBA basketball in Minneapolis.”
The Energy won the D-League championship back in 2011. Notable players currently on the Energy include Wade Baldwin IV, Matt Costello, Perry Jones, Jarell Martin, Cartier Martin, JaKarr Sampson, Wayne Selden, and Troy Williams.
