Minnesota Timberwolves associate head coach Micah Nori is the only candidate still tied to both NBA head-coaching openings, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal. The Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers remain the two franchises searching for a coach. Nori has been linked to the Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trail Blazers, the two franchises that have yet to fill their vacancies. He had also drawn serious consideration from the Chicago Bulls before they decided to hire Tiago Splitter as their next head coach. Beyond Nori, the Mavericks have looked at Raptors assistant Jama Mahlalela and Houston Rockets assistant Royal Ivey, according to Dallas Hoops Journal sources. The Stein Line reported that former NBA head coach Terry Stotts is also among the candidates for the Dallas job. Nori, 52, has spent 17 seasons as an NBA assistant and has served as the lead assistant in Minnesota since 2021, joining the organization the same year as head coach Chris Finch. His earlier stops include the Toronto Raptors from 2009 to 2013 under Jay Triano and Dwane Casey, the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets from 2013 to 2018 under Michael Malone, and the Detroit Pistons from 2018 to 2021 under Casey. In Minnesota, Nori has functioned as the defensive architect for a team that has ranked among the league’s stingiest units, and he has played a central role in the development of Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels while Rudy Gobert won a Defensive Player of the Year award. He also has a track record with high-usage stars, dating to his time coaching Nikola Jokić in Denver. Edwards has publicly called him a “basketball genius.” Nori has head-coaching experience to point to as well. He took over as interim coach during the 2024 playoffs after Finch ruptured his patellar tendon, then guided Minnesota past the defending champion Denver Nuggets and into the franchise’s first Western Conference Finals in 20 years. He has since interviewed for several openings, including the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024 and the New York Knicks in 2025, losing out to JJ Redick and Mike Brown. Part of Nori’s appeal in Dallas stems from how his background aligns with president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri. The Mavericks and Trail Blazers are expected to want their hires settled around the June 23 NBA Draft. Nori’s experience and reputation make him a strong candidate for both teams. His ability to develop players and create a strong defensive team will be attractive to both franchises. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future of the Mavericks and Trail Blazers, and Nori is at the center of it all. The NBA playoffs have shown the importance of a strong coach, and both teams are looking for someone who can lead them to success. Nori’s experience in the playoffs and his ability to make adjustments on the fly will be valuable assets to either team. As the NBA Draft approaches, the Mavericks and Trail Blazers will be looking to make a decision on their next head coach. Nori is the top candidate, and his experience and reputation make him a strong choice for both teams.