http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3036378
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Timberwolves, their roster bloated from this summer's blockbuster trade of Kevin Garnett, would like to make another deal before the season starts.
But with many other teams worried about the luxury tax, the Timberwolves are likely to start training camp this weekend with 16 players on their roster -- including five guys they got from the Boston Celtics for Garnett. Eight players are returning from last season, plus two draft picks and veteran forward Juwan Howard, who came in a trade with the Houston Rockets.
Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Signing Al Jefferson to an extension will be a priority of the Wolves.
"We're talking with some teams. Really, it's just been a slow, slow month," vice president Kevin McHale said Tuesday. He said he had "three or four" deals on the table, waiting word from those teams once they assess their situation in regard to the salary cap.
Howard was unhappy when Garnett was traded, but he's expected to join his new teammates for Friday's media day and Saturday's first practice before the Wolves leave for 10 days of training and exhibition games in Europe.
Coach Randy Wittman said he spoke with Howard, who is beginning his 14th year in the league, and was satisfied with his mindset.
"He's never come to me and said, 'Coach, I want out.'"
The Wolves have a glut of shooting guards and small forwards, so they'd like to use the excess and pull off another deal. They also explored a trade with Howard, but "nothing made sense," McHale said.
One player whose status for training camp is not yet resolved is rookie Chris Richard, the second-round draft pick. He's been given a qualifying contract offer, McHale said, but has yet to accept it. Backup big man Mark Madsen is out for at least another six weeks following shoulder surgery, but Mark Blount, Al Jefferson, Craig Smith and potentially Theo Ratliff will diminish Richard's chance to play much.
The Wolves have until Oct. 31 to reach an agreement on a contract extension with Jefferson if they want to prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent after the season. McHale said there have been preliminary talks with Jefferson's agent.
"That'd be something we'd like to get done," McHale said.
In other news, Wittman said shooting guard Rashad McCants is "night and day" better than last season regarding his surgically repaired right knee. Wittman said McCants is 100 percent healthy, after the injury kept him out until Jan. 31 and limited him to 37 games.
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Timberwolves, their roster bloated from this summer's blockbuster trade of Kevin Garnett, would like to make another deal before the season starts.
But with many other teams worried about the luxury tax, the Timberwolves are likely to start training camp this weekend with 16 players on their roster -- including five guys they got from the Boston Celtics for Garnett. Eight players are returning from last season, plus two draft picks and veteran forward Juwan Howard, who came in a trade with the Houston Rockets.
Signing Al Jefferson to an extension will be a priority of the Wolves.
"We're talking with some teams. Really, it's just been a slow, slow month," vice president Kevin McHale said Tuesday. He said he had "three or four" deals on the table, waiting word from those teams once they assess their situation in regard to the salary cap.
Howard was unhappy when Garnett was traded, but he's expected to join his new teammates for Friday's media day and Saturday's first practice before the Wolves leave for 10 days of training and exhibition games in Europe.
Coach Randy Wittman said he spoke with Howard, who is beginning his 14th year in the league, and was satisfied with his mindset.
"He's never come to me and said, 'Coach, I want out.'"
The Wolves have a glut of shooting guards and small forwards, so they'd like to use the excess and pull off another deal. They also explored a trade with Howard, but "nothing made sense," McHale said.
One player whose status for training camp is not yet resolved is rookie Chris Richard, the second-round draft pick. He's been given a qualifying contract offer, McHale said, but has yet to accept it. Backup big man Mark Madsen is out for at least another six weeks following shoulder surgery, but Mark Blount, Al Jefferson, Craig Smith and potentially Theo Ratliff will diminish Richard's chance to play much.
The Wolves have until Oct. 31 to reach an agreement on a contract extension with Jefferson if they want to prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent after the season. McHale said there have been preliminary talks with Jefferson's agent.
"That'd be something we'd like to get done," McHale said.
In other news, Wittman said shooting guard Rashad McCants is "night and day" better than last season regarding his surgically repaired right knee. Wittman said McCants is 100 percent healthy, after the injury kept him out until Jan. 31 and limited him to 37 games.
