THE SIDELINES : McKinney Leaves Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS — Billy McKinney will leave his position as director of player personnel with the Minnesota Timberwolves effective immediately, the team and McKinney said today.

McKinney was the first person hired in the expansion team’s basketball office two years ago. He said he will explore several options, including an expanded team management role in the NBA or a career in sports broadcasting.

McKinney has widely been reported to have been in a power struggle with Timberwolves Coach Bill Musselman.

But McKinney said he enjoyed his tenure with the Timberwolves.

“I’ve learned a great deal from the process, and one of the things I’ve learned is that I would like to have a chance to expand my role and authority in management decisions,” McKinney said.