Rodriguez and Marc Lore set out to employ a top-five executive, and they succeeded in finding someone who undoubtedly fulfills the mark. Rodriguez and Lore have acquired a lot of trust as owners even before taking over for Glen Taylor.

Spending money on management is an intelligent approach to gain an advantage in a sport when players' salaries are limited.

Although a few teams have paid handsomely for significant executives, Minnesota is better off acquiring an executive with a proven history.

Connelly was a fantastic general manager. In Denver, drafting Nikola Jokic in the second round, as well as Jusuf Nurkic on 16, 2014, Gary Harris was No. 19 in 2014, Jamal Murray in No. 7 in 2016, Malik Beasley in No. 19 in 2016, Monte Morris in No. 51 in 2017, Michael Porter Jr. in No. 14 in 2018, and Bones Hyland (No. 26 in 2021).

Connelly also brought in a potent free agent (Paul Millsap in 2017) and made a deal last year (for Aaron Gordon) that gave the Nuggets the appearance of being a title contender until injuries struck. Denver has built a winning culture in its operations under Connelly's leadership.     

                  The Timberwolves, a long-struggling team, could have used everything Connelly offers. Minnesota seemed to have an opening after sacking Gersson Rosas just before the season due to a scandal. On an interim basis, Sachin Gupta was in charge of the front office. Minnesota has a unique opportunity with young talents Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns (who appear to be on the verge of signing a contract deal).

Nonetheless, the Nuggets are undoubtedly better than the Timberwolves, raising further concerns like why Denver let Connelly walk.

Masai Ujiri was let go by the Nuggets for a more significant deal with the Guardians the same year he was named Executive of the Year (2013). The top CEOs are interchangeable, Denver's experience with Connelly may indicate.

Calvin Booth has progressed through the organization's ranks and has attracted outside notice. He's a strong candidate for the job.

The Nuggets, on the other hand, are at a fork in the road, assuming Nikola Jokic signs his supermax deal this summer. Jokic backs out of the contract, and Denver will be in serious trouble. The capital gains tax and the prospect of a title loom large over everything, emphasizing the significance of each decision.

Stan Kroenke, even if ready to pay a luxury tax, has spending limits, as Connelly's departure demonstrates.