The sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA Lynx from long-time owner Glen Taylor to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore has been a unique one — a gradual installment plan that Taylor reportedly wanted (allegedly to ensure a smooth handoff, but he kept his hand on the wheel longer as well). However, it has reached a tipping point.

Rodriguez and Lorwillto exercise their option by Dec. 31 to buy and take a controlling percentage of the franchise, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Lore and Rodriguez, who have a Dec. 31 deadline, will be formalizing an intent to purchase a final 40% of the NBA and WNBA franchises from Glen Taylor -- giving Lore and Rodriguez 80% total of the two teams by early 2024, sources said. Lore and Rodriguez still have more time to raise the necessary money to complete the majority purchase, which will be subject to NBA board of governors approval.