Alex Rodriguez is one giant step closer to becoming an NBA owner. : The former Yankees star and partner Marc Lore have reached an agreement to buy the Minnesota Timberwolves from Glen Taylor for $1.5 billion, according to multiple reports. Rodriguez and Lore “are expected to sign formal paperwork shortly,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania tweeted, while citing sources saying that A-Rod and Lore will be “equal, 50-50 partners” in the transaction. Rodriguez and former fiancée Jennifer Lopez attempted to purchase the Mets from the Wilpon family last year, but hedge fund manager Steve Cohen bought the team for $2.4 billion.