NBA
Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves have made significant strides in the relevancy department the past couple of seasons. They have reeled off a back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals and are looking to make an NBA Championship appearance this season.
The changing of hands at the ownership level is now complete. A group led by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are in the driver’s seat. They permitted president Tim Connelly to hand out big contracts to Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
Unfortunately not all of the Timberwolves talent will be back in the same capacity next season. Nickeil Alexander-Walker was the big free agent departure. Michael Grady will be working elsewhere for portions of the season and that leaves a big hole in the broadcast booth.
Michael Grady leaving Minnesota Timberwolves for Amazon broadcasts
Dave Benz joined Jim Petersen on the Minnesota Timberwolves broadcast during the 2012-13 season. Petersen has been the color commentator since 2003-04. When Benz left after the 2021-22 season the important play-by-play role opened up. Michael Grady took over for the 2022-23 season, and he’s quickly risen to stardom.
He’s gotten so good in fact, that Grady is joining Ian Eagle, Kevin Harlan, and Eric Collins on the NBA’s new Amazon Prime platform. Of course that reality means he won’t be able to work two places at once. The MN Timberwolves still can use Grady for games, but his appearances will now be scaled back.
Wolves say Michael Grady will work a “modified” schedule of team games next season. Details will be announced later. He will also have an expanded digital role with reporting, previews and other content. https://t.co/bFCEOWQk8h
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) July 10, 2025
Grady joined the MN Timberwolves after being a member of the Brooklyn Nets broadcast team. He worked as a sideline reporter and host for five years while just occasionally doing play-by-play. He stepped into the new role with Minnesota and immediately was appreciated.
The Timberwolves have had Grady calling their games through this resurgence of performance and fan interest. It’s going to take a notable performance for whomever steps in to not miss Grady’s candor and ability.
Where do the MN Timberwolves turn for a replacement?
Finding someone to replace a talent as good as Michael Grady will be tough. There are some logical options. Marney Gellner could step in as she already works Minnesota Lynx games. Alan Horton has done play-by-play for the radio broadcast each of the past 17 seasons. Sloane Martin also has Lynx play-by-play experience and could be an option.
An out-of-the-box option could be to bring back Dave Benz for the games where Grady isn’t available. He had some serious rapport with the fanbase, but it’s possible emotions and feelings will end that interest before it starts.
“OH, COOKIES. HIGHLIGHT.” @Grady pic.twitter.com/q9a5xXEYgi
— John Meyer (@meyerNBA) February 28, 2024
No matter what, it’s a good thing that Michael Grady isn’t leaving the Timberwolves altogether. The bad news is that this is just the first step in his expanded national presence. As his profile and portfolio grow, so too will the opportunities.
Related: Former, Current Wolves Owners Uninterested in Buying Minnesota Twins
This is a talent the Minnesota Timberwolves were never going to be able to keep under wraps.
Mentioned in this article: Michael Grady More About:Minnesota Timberwolves