Will Barton, former Memphis basketball star and 11-year NBA veteran, is reportedly joining the Minnesota Timberwolves' coaching staff.
Barton, who starred for the Tigers from 2010-12, will work in a player development role under Wolves coach Chris Finch and lead executive Tim Connelly, according to Sports Illustrated's Charlie Walton.
In 2015, as the general manager of the Denver Nuggets, Connelly acquired Barton via trade. Barton spent the next seven-plus seasons in Denver.
Barton becomes the second former Memphis star in the past two years to be hired by Minnesota as a player development coach. Joey Dorsey joined the Timberwolves' staff in 2024.
Last season, Barton served as an assistant coach for the Iowa Wolves, Minnesota's G League affiliate.
Nicknamed "The Thrill," the 35-year-old Barton spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards and the Toronto Raptors, before retiring in April 2025.
Barton and his brother Antonio came to Memphis in 2010, Josh Pastner's first season as coach. He spent two seasons with the Tigers, winning Conference USA Player of the Year as a sophomore when he averaged 18 points. He finished his Memphis career with 1,062 points and helped lead the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament in 2011 and 2012.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com, follow him @munzly on X.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Former Memphis basketball star Will Barton hired by Timberwolves, per report
