Broadcasting
The Timberwolves’ play-by-play maestro is on the verge of a national breakout, with Amazon and NBC circling. How long before he outgrows the local broadcast?
By Jeffrey Bissoy

MINNEAPOLIS — The best local play-by-play voices become part of the fabric of their team’s identity. They’re the soundtrack to heartbreak and triumph, the steady hand guiding fans through the emotional rollercoaster of an 82-game season. For the past two years, Michael Grady has been that voice for the Minnesota Timberwolves, his smooth baritone and electric catchphrases (“Caaaashh!”) syncing perfectly with the rise of Anthony Edwards and the Wolves’ long-awaited leap into contention.

But Grady’s talent was never going to stay confined to the Upper Midwest for long.

According to industry sources, Grady is in advanced negotiations to become the lead WNBA voice for Prime Video as part of Amazon’s new media rights deal. He’s also had discussions with NBC about calling NBA games when the network returns to pro basketball coverage next season. And he’s already moonlighting as a national ESPN NBA broadcaster, calling games alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.

“I’m so proud of my guy @Grady for landing this groundbreaking national broadcast deal,” Jim Petersen posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Michael will be the Breen, Eagle, Harlan of his generation with few peers. I have so much gratitude to have worked with him for the past 3 years and hope to continue working as many Wolves games as his schedule permits in the future. Congratulations Grady…you are the best!”

It’s high praise from a veteran broadcaster—and it’s not hyperbole.

In other words: Grady’s days as a local broadcaster may be numbered.

The Making of a Star

Grady’s journey has been a masterclass in patience and preparation. A military kid turned Indianapolis radio prodigy, he cut his teeth as a PA announcer for the Pacers and Fever before hustling his way into television and, eventually, the Brooklyn Nets’ broadcast team. By the time he landed in Minnesota in 2022, he was a polished, versatile pro—equally comfortable breaking down X’s and O’s as he was dropping Prince references after a Taurean Prince three-pointer.

“He’s got the voice, the knowledge, the humor, and the work ethic,” says Jim Petersen, Grady’s Timberwolves broadcast partner. “I think he’s going to go down as one of the greats.”

That trajectory is already playing out. Last season, Grady called games for TNT and became a fixture on WNBA broadcasts, including the New York Liberty’s playoff run. This year, ESPN added him to its NBA roster, sending him to Paris to call a regular-season game. Now, with Amazon and NBC aggressively building their NBA and WNBA talent stables, Grady is a hot commodity.

Why Grady is in Demand

The Voice – Few in the business have Grady’s natural timbre. His delivery is authoritative but warm, making even routine plays feel momentous.

The Versatility – From NBA to WNBA, radio to TV, Grady has done it all. Networks love broadcasters who can slide seamlessly between roles.

The Preparation – Grady is a film-room junkie, studying old games to refine his craft. His signature calls—like dubbing Naz Reid “Big Jelly”—are meticulously planned yet feel spontaneous.

The Likability – He’s the rare broadcaster who connects with die-hards and casual fans alike, a skill that translates perfectly to national TV.

What’s Next?

The Wolves have been here before. Kevin Harlan, another beloved Minnesota play-by-play legend, eventually ascended to TNT and CBS fame. Grady could follow a similar path—splitting time between local and national duties—but the pull of a full-time national role may be too strong to resist.

“Minnesota has changed my life,” Grady says. But in the next breath, he acknowledges the opportunities ahead.

For now, Wolves fans should savor every “Caaaashh!” while they can. Because if Grady keeps rising at this rate, he won’t be theirs for much longer.