Timberwolves fire head coach Ryan Saunders

The Minnesota Timberwolves fired head coach Ryan Saunders, the struggling NBA franchise announced.

Minnesota dismissed Saunders following Sunday's 103-99 loss to the New York Knicks, which left the Timberwolves with a league-worst 7-24 record this season.

The Timberwolves are reportedly finalising a multi-year deal to hire Toronto Raptors assistant Chris Finch.

Minnesota hired former assistant Saunders in 2019, but the 34-year-old oversaw a 43-95 record as coach.

NEWS: @Timberwolves Relieve Ryan Saunders of his Duties Full release:https://t.co/FBS7qNr56u

— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) February 22, 2021

"We would like to thank Ryan for his time and commitment to the Timberwolves organisation and wish him the best in the future," said president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas.

"These are difficult decisions to make, however this change is in the best interest of the organisation's short and long-term goals."

The Timberwolves have failed to reach the playoffs in the past two seasons, while Minnesota have only featured in the postseason once – a first-round defeat in 2017-18 – since Kevin Durant led the franchise to the Western Conference Finals in 2003-04.