Robbie Hummel Agrees To Terms With Spanish Team Obradoiro Cab

Robbie Hummel will be playing for Obradoiro Cab of Spain in the 2012-13 season.

Timberwolves Free Agency: Draft Pick Robbie Hummel Could Play In Spain, According To Report

The Minnesota Timberwovles have been quite active this summer trying to upgrade the roster to compliment the young talent remaining in Minnesota led by Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio. The additions of guard Brandon Roy and forward Andrei Kirilinko along with rookie guard Alexey Shved have raised expectations.

But all of the player moves have created a glut of forwards which may have second round draft pick Robbie Hummel looking to play in Europe. Other summer trades added Dante Cunningham and Chase Buddinger to the mix which leaves little room for Hummel to earn a spot in the playing rotation let alone a guarantee to make the roster out of camp.

According to HoopsHype, Hummel is close to signing with Spanish club Obradoiro which would allow Hummel to get paid and continue developing his game on the court. Hummel has plenty to prove after surviving two ACL surgeries at Purdue.

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NBA Free Agency 2012: Adelman Responds To Portland Comments About Batum Offer

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman is happy with the talent assembled on the roster he will guide through the 2012-13 NBA season. One player Minnesota targeted as a restricted free agent is not among those players, though.

Nicolas Batum expressed his desire to join the Timberwolves after signing an offer sheet. But after Portland matched the offer to retain Batum, Trail Blazers' GM Neil Olshey went out of his way to mention that Batum's comments were delivered under pressure from the Timberwolves and his agent Bouna Ndaiye.

According to a report by Kerry Eggers, Adelman wondered why Olshey would bother making his comments after getting his man.

"I'm amazed at all the stuff that went out," Adelman said. "Didn't Portland try to get (Indiana's) Roy Hibbert? So we're not supposed to go after someone we want? I didn't understand that whole thing. And I don't think Brandon Roy is property of them anymore. They let him go.

"All that stuff surprised me. We were just trying to get a player who fit in our system. Unfortunately, it went on and on and on, and I have no control over that."

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NBA Free Agency: Timberwolves Offer For Ronnie Brewer Not Enough, According To Agent

There haven't been all that many signings for the Minnesota Timberwolves in free agency, but that hasn't been for lack of trying. One of the latest attempted moves -- and also one of the more high profile ones -- by the Wolves was throwing an offer to former Chicago Bulls guard Ronnie Brewer.

It didn't end up working out for the Wolves as they had intended, despite an offer called 'generous', Brewer decided to instead sign with the New York Knicks. According to Brewer's agent, it was a move that Brewer felt provided a better opportunity:

"Minnesota was very interested in Ronnie and was very aggressive about it," Thomas said. "For the things that were important to him, he felt that the better move was to go to New York. Ronnie was more comfortable with the opportunity there."

As posited by Ray Richardson of Twincities.com, one of the reasons that Brewer may not have been interested is the sheer number of shooting guards that the Timberwolves have brought in to hopefully start playing next season already:

Kahn's determination to improve the Wolves' shooting guard position might have steered Brewer to New York. The Wolves have reached contract agreements with Brandon Roy and Alexey Shved, though neither has signed. The Wolves also made a trade with the Houston Rockets on June 26 to acquire small forward Chase Budinger, who can play shooting guard, as can returning veterans Wes Johnson, J.J. Barea and Luke Ridnour.

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Timberwolves Free Agency: Minnesota Agrees To Terms With Greg Stiemsma, According To Report

The Minnesota Timberwolves have mostly been that team that hasn't been able to sign anybody this offseason. It seemed like the Minnesota Wild of the NHL took all of the signing mojo by bringing in Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, but as it turns out, the T-Wolves have finally made a pretty good deal.

The team has been pursuing center Greg Stiemsma for some time now, and according to Jerry Zgoda on Twitter, they've agreed to terms on a deal with him. There are no contract details at this point. Stiemsma received a $1.05 million qualifying offer from the Boston Celtics, but they've been going through some pretty serious cap issues lately.

Minnesota had their eyes on Stiemsma from the beginning, but they focused most of their efforts on Nicolas Batum, who wanted to come to Minnesota. But the Portland Trail Blazers matched Minnesota's offer for Batum and the Timberwolves weren't able to acquire his services.

Stiemsma averaged 2.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 13.9 minutes per game as a rookie a season ago.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Robin Lopez A Potential Target For Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves still need some additional big man depth, and their free-agent options are starting to get a little slim. One potential target could be restricted free agent Robin Lopez of the Phoenix Suns, according to a tweet from Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN:

I wouldn't rule out Robin Lopez for the #Twolves. Suns have bigs, plus MN had talks w/ them in Batum 3-way scenarios.

— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) July 21, 2012

Lopez has been inconsistent in Phoenix, but he's a legitimate seven-footer and could bring energy to the Timberwolves bench. In four years with the Suns, he averaged 5.8 points on 52 percent shooting and grabbed 3.3 rebounds per game.

The Suns have extended Lopez a qualifying offer of just over $4 million.

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NBA Free Agency 2012: Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves Favorites For Anthony Tolliver

On Friday afternoon, Chris Tomasson reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves are the two front runners to acquire the services of free agent forward Anthony Tolliver.

Via Tomasson's Twitter stream:

"Minnesota and Cleveland are the frontrunners,'' said Tolliver, who played the past two seasons for the Timberwolves. "But the last time around (when Tolliver was a free agent in 2010), Minnesota wasn't a frontrunner and came on at the end.''

In addition, Tolliver told Tomasson that the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards have all expressed interest in acquiring the 27-year old's services.

Tolliver made it clear that the Miami Heat also expressed interest but ultimately backed off after they signed Rashard Lewis last week.

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Timberwolves Free Agency 2012: Minnesota Native Jon Leuer On Radar

Jon Leuer might be coming home.

The Long Lake, Minn., native and former University of Wisconsin star was put on waivers by the Rockets, but is getting interest fromt the T-Wolves, according to The St. Paul Pioneer Press. Minnesota was interested in Rockets shooting guard Courtney Lee, but he is heading to Boston in a sign-and-trade.

From the Pioneer Press:

The 6-foot-10 Leuer was waived Wednesday by the Rockets. Leuer, a 2011 second-round draft pick by the Milwaukee Bucks out of the University of Wisconsin, was traded to Houston on June 27. If Leuer clears waivers by 5 p.m. Friday, he will become an unrestricted free agent.

Leuer averaged 4.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 46 games with Milwaukee in his first NBA season, making 12 games.

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Nicolas Batum To Remain With Portland Trail Blazers, According To Report

On Wednesday afternoon, Jason Quick, the Senior reporter for the The Oregonian, tweeted that the Portland Trail Blazers will be matching the offersheet submitted by the Minnesota Timberwolves for guard Nicolas Batum.

It was largely expected that the Blazers would plan to match, but at a time it appeared as though the two teams may be able to work out a deal. However, with indecision from Portland in trade talks and the inability to find a third team to complete a group trade, Minnesota's last hope was that the Blazers wouldn't match the offersheet.

Now, with Blazers general manager Neil Olshey scheduled to meet with the assembled media, it appears as though Batum will be remaining in Portland.

So it's all but official: Nicolas Batum is staying with Blazers, who will match Minnesota offer. Olshey to address media in Vegas at 2:15

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 18, 2012

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NBA Free Agency: Anthony Randolph Signs With Nuggets

Former Minnesota Timberwolves PF/C Anthony Randolph has a new home now, as he got signed by the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, a move by Denver to get more athleticism and size on their bench.

The 23 year old former first round pick has had two different stints with the Timberwolves in his short career, playing for the Wolves in 2010/2011 before moving to the New York Knicks and then eventually coming back to Minny for 2011/2012. The young big man averaged 7.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and a block in 15.2 minutes per game of play off the bench.

To make the move, the Nuggets used the amnesty clause on Chris 'Birdman' Andersen to open up the roster spot.

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Timberwolves, Blazers' Sign-And-Trade Talks For Nicolas Batum Aren't Progressing, According To Report

As of last week, the Minnesota Timberwolves were confident that they would be able to complete a sign-and-trade with the Portland Trailblazers for guard Nicolas Batum.

With the Blazers supplying the Wolves a list of three teams that they would be willing to complete a three-team deal with (including players such as Robin Lopez of the Phoenix Suns, Kyle Korver who at the time was a member of the Chicago Bulls and an unknown member of the Denver Nuggets), it seemed as though Batum would be coming to Minnesota.

However, with Phoenix unimpressed with the offers for Lopez and the back-and-forth nature of Portland's general manager Neil Olshey, the deal is stuck in limbo and appears all but dead.

Willing to work around the three-team option, Minnesota offered three first-round picks for Batum under the stipulation that the Blazers also took on the contract of Darko Milicic but Portland was uninterested in the proposal.

According to a report by ESPN 1500, the Timberwolves never offered Derrick Williams in any proposal for Batum as was reported by Comcast Portland, despite his being asked for on the Portland end.

Ultimately, the drama will be coming to an end on Wednesday night when Portland will seemingly retain Batum's services by matching the Timberwolves' offersheet.

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Timberwolves Free Agency 2012: Minnesota Forced To Play Waiting Game On Nicolas Batum

Having signed free agent Nicolas Batum to an offer sheet, all the Minnesota Timberwolves can do now is wait on the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Blazers can match the Wolves' four-year, $46.5 million offer sheet, and right now all indications are that they'll do just that, according to The Pioneer Press.

If Portland does match by the 11:59 PM Wednesday deadline,

...the Wolves will have to put Plan B in action and shift focus to other free agents at the shooting guard-small forward positions. Knowing [Portland GM Neil] Olshey's intentions, the plan already might be in place.

During a conference call with reporters Friday, Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn eyed the positive if Batum stays with Portland.

"It would leave us significant room under the cap to pursue other players," Kahn said.

With Minnesota focused on perimeter scoring, the article goes on to name Courtney Lee -- a restricted free agent with the Houston Rockets -- and former Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo as likely targets.

Since the article was written, however, Mayo tweeted that he was signing with the Dallas Mavericks, which limits the players Kahn might be able to pursue with that significant cap room

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NBA Free Agency: Timberwolves Sign Nicolas Batum To Offer Sheet, Blazers Have Until Wednesday

The countdown officially began on Sunday night in Minnesota, as the Timberwolves signed restricted Nicolas Batum to an offer sheet and will now wait three full days for the Portland Trailblazers to match.

Though he has repeatedly made it public that he only wants to play in Minnesota next season, Portland's ownership of Batum's contract ultimately dictates his next move. With that said, it's entirely possible that the Blazers decide the headache associated with keeping a disgruntled Batum around might not be worth matching the offer sheet in the end.

With plenty of other free agent targets continuing to narrow down their choices during the three-day window, Minnesota will need to hope that viable backup plans like Courtney Lee and O.J. Mayo are still on the market if the Blazers decide to match the offer.

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Minnesota Timberwolves Release 2012 Summer League Roster

Set to take part in the Las Vegas Summer League from July 16-22, the Minnesota Timberwolves finalized their roster on Sunday to prepare for their upcoming five-game slate.

Notably absent from the list of names was shooting guard Malcolm Lee, who joined the team at minicamp over the weekend but was not deemed fit to participate in this year's league. The T-Wolves ultimately decided to keep the talented scorer on his rehab program instead of rushing him into meaningless action, which makes a good deal of sense:

Comprising the T-Wolves' 19-man squad are former first-round draft picks Wesley Johnson and Derrick Williams, in addition to 2012 undrafted rookies Robbie Hummel and William Buford. David Adelman, brother of esteemed head coach Rick Adelman, will take the reigns with former Michigan State player Shawn Respert as the two primary coaches in Summer League play.

Here is Minnesota's full Summer League roster:

William Buford - G/F
Jet Chang - G
Papa Dia - F
Lior Eliyahu - F
Tony Easley - F
Zabian Dowdell - G
Corey Fisher - G
Mike Harris - F
Robbie Hummel - F
Wes Johnson - G/F
Coby Karl - G
Sylven Landensberg - G
Lamont Mack - F
Luke Nevill - C
Paulo Prestes - C
Luke Sikma - F
Garrett Stutz - C
Kammron Taylor - G
Derrick Williams - F
David Adelman - Coach
Shawn Respert - Coach

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NBA Free Agency: Timberwolves Might Land Ronnie Brewer

While the Minnesota Timberwolves try to figure out what is going to happen with Nicolas Batum, they have made sure not to forget about the rest of their roster. A former Chicago Bull is the latest player on their radar.

As reported elsewhere, CJ Watson is headed to the Nets. Also: I'm hearing Ronnie Brewer could be Minnesota-bound.

— Aggrey Sam (@CSNBullsInsider) July 15, 2012

Brewer is a 27-year old swingman that has spent the last two seasons with the Bulls. In Chicago, he became a productive bench player, averaging 6.9 points per game last season.

His role would likely stay about the same in Minnesota, if the team signed him for next season.

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Free Agency 2012: Timberwolves Reportedly Waive Forward Martell Webster

Though it once appeared they would be holding his contract for flexibility in a possible Nicolas Batum sign-and-trade, the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly waived small forward Martell Webster on Friday according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski:

Webster started 27 of his 93 games with the T-Wolves over the last two seasons, but rarely brought much to the table other than a dangerous stroke from the three-point line. The No. 6 overall pick back by Portland in 2005 straight out of high school, the 6-foot-7 swingman remains just 25 years old despite having seven years of NBA experience under his belt.

After a promising season in 07-08 where averaged 10.7 points per night with the Blazers, a series of injuries the following year appears to have slowed down Webster's development quite significantly, and it's anyone's guess where he'll wind up.

For more 2012 offseason coverage, stay with this StoryStream. For more on the T-Wolves, check out Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA news and analysis, be sure to visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

NBA Free Agency: Timberwolves Officially Amnesty Darko Milicic

It was reported early on Thursday that the Minnesota Timberwolves would use the NBA's amnesty clause on center Darko Milicic. He had a lot of trouble staying on the court, and was one of the league's worst offenders when it came to fouls. The team liked what he was able to do when he was playing meaningful minutes, it's just that there was a shortage of those.

Now, the news is official, as per the NBA's official website. The amnesty provision allows a team to waive one player and now have his salary count against the salary cap or the league's luxury tax. It's likely that the Timberwolves would have kept Milicic if not for the fact that they're targeting Nicolas Batum, as they've offered him a contract in the $40 million range.

Milicic did start 92 of his 98 games over the past two seasons with Minnesota, but the seven-foot Milicic hasn't had much success with any of the five NBA teams he's played for since coming into the league in 2003.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

NBA Free Agency: Minnesota Timberwolves To Amnesty Center Darko Milicic

The Minnesota Timberwolves will reportedly use the NBA's amnesty clause on center Darko Milicic according to ESPN.com's Rich Bucher, as the team prepares to make its final push for free agent swingman Nicolas Batum.

Milicic started in 92 of his 98 games over the past two seasons with the Timberwolves, but was routinely plagued by foul trouble and struggled to stay on the court for meaningful stretches. Still just 27 years old after famously entering the league in 2003 alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony among others, the seven-foot Milicic has struck out with each of the five NBA teams he's played for in his career.

With two years and $10 million ($7 million guaranteed) remaining on his now-alleviated deal, the Timberwolves have the ammunition to offer Batum something in the ballpark of four years and $45-50 million. Though he was originally hesitant to sign an offer sheet in fear that Portland would match, Batum remains confident that he'll end up in a T-Wolves uniform, and Thursday's cap move to amnesty Milicic was the next step towards getting Batum to Minnesota.

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NBA Trade Rumors: Timberwolves And Trail Blazers Discussing Move For Nicolas Batum

The NBA trade rumor mill has elected involve the Minnesota Timberwolves again this week as the team tries to acquire restricted free agent Nicolas Batum from the Portland Trail Blazers. It doesn't sound like it's going to be easy, but at least there's apparently a deal being discussed.

The Blazers and Timberwolves are discussing a deal that would seemingly cripple the Wolves' chances at continuing to rebuild in the future in exchange for the immediate impact Batum could have, according to a report from ESPN's Ric Bucher.

The Trail Blazers and Timberwolves are discussing a deal that would bring Portland free-agent forward Nicolas Batum to Minnesota in exchange for two future first-round draft picks and a veteran small forward acquired from a third team, a league source told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

If the Blazers continue to balk, Bucher says, the Wolves will simply sign Batum to an offer sheet Wednesday night -- which Portland has said it'll match, keeping Batum in a Portland uniform.

That's quite a nice haul for the Blazers considering one of their alternatives is to let Batum play out this season and then walk for nothing next year, but maybe they believe another team will chip in with something else before that happens.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

Timberwolves Have Nothing To Offer For Nicolas Batum, Says Trail Blazers GM

On Wednesday afternoon, Portland Trail Blazers general manager Neil Olshey officially put the final nail in the Nicolas Batum-to-Minnesota Timberwolves speculation when he stated that the Twolves had nothing of interest to offer the Trail Blazers in a potential sign-and-trade.

In addition, Olshey made it clear that if Minnesota submits an offer sheet to the restricted free agent guard, the team will match any proposal.

Olshey says he doesn't see anything Minnesota can offer in S&T that is appealing to POR. Says he will match if Minny presents offer sheet

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 11, 2012

The GM went on to say that he doesn't believe that any thing that the Twolves could offer would have more value than Batum and that he doesn't believe in allowing talent to walk out the door.

As of this time, Minnesota has not extended an offersheet.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

Timberwolves Trade Rumors: Minnesota 'Likely' To Land Bulls' Kyle Korver

The Chicago Bulls are shopping Kyle Korver in lieu of picking up his $5 million option - not ruling out anything at this point when it comes to potential sign-and-trade opportunities and things of that nature. Of course, it's not completely out of the realm of possibility that he remains with the team, but trade talks have picked up extensively in the last day.

There are two teams who appear to be in on the Korver sweepstakes in the Atlanta Hawks and our own Minnesota Timberwolves. Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted on Twitter that Korver to Minnesota seems pretty likely:

Source says #Hawks had interest in #Bulls F Kyle Korver but he's likely headed to Minnesota in trade

— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) July 11, 2012

Chicago has until Sunday to make a decision on picking up Korver's option, and it looks like they're going to be motivated to get something done before that point. The Bulls are particularly desperate to get deals done so they come in under the NBA's luxury tax line. Korver has averaged 9.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists over nine seasons in the NBA, but his best days are long behind him. Still, it appears the Timberwolves feel he has enough left in the tank to contribute going forward.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

NBA Free Agency: Alexey Shved Signs With Timberwolves

It had been rumored for several days that the Minnesota Timberwolves were first looking at and then had come close to agreeing to terms with Russian guard Alexey Shved.

Now it looks like it's official, as the Minnesota Star Tribune reported on Wednesday that the 'Russian Rubio' has officially been added into the mix by the Wolves. The contract term agreement reportedly came just hours before the signing period began in the NBA, in the late hours of Tuesday evening:

By doing so, they added a versatile international player who last week helped lead Russia to the London Olympics during a qualifying tournament in Venezuela but is just reaching the NBA at age 23.

Both Roy and Shved were eligible to sign multi-year contracts at 11:01 p.m. Tuesday, but neither is expected to do so until the Wolves' pursuit of Portland restricted free agent Nicolas Batum is resolved. The Wolves can sign Batum to a rich offer sheet that the Blazers have the right to match within three days or it can reach a sign-and-trade agreement with Portland.

We're going to have to wait and see how the talks go regarding Batum, who the Wolves have been chasing for quite a while now. How that trade or signing works will impact the Wolves' salary cap numbers going forward.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

NBA Trade Rumors: Derrick Williams Is Untouchable In Nicolas Batum Talks

NBA trade rumors are going to be all the rage around these parts for the near future because, like it or not, that's the only way the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to be able to acquire Nicolas Batum from the Portland Trail Blazers. The Wolves have already said they plan to sign the restricted free agent to an offer sheet, but the Blazers have said they'll match -- even though Batum has been pretty clear that he'd rather play in Minnesota.

Regardless, if that's going to happen, it seems like the Wolves will have to give up something in return. They made Luke Ridnour and/or J.J. Barea expendable when they came to terms with Alexey Shved earlier Tuesday afternoon, but they apparently are balking at moving Derrick Williams.

With all the different Nicolas Batum trade scenarios, I'm hearing Derrick Williams is "untouchable." #Blazers

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 10, 2012

It's not surprising that the Wolves want to keep last year's second overall pick, but there aren't many other attractive options that the Blazers might be interested in (that Minnesota should consider trading, anyway). We'll learn more in the next 24 hours.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Nicolas Batum Remains Hopeful He'll End Up In Minnesota

Although he remains a restricted free agent as the Portland Trailblazers own the final say on his destination, small forward Nicolas Batum continues to express his strong desire to play in a Minnesota Timberwolves uniform next season. The 23-year-old Batum made things as clear as possible to NBA.com's David Aldridge on Tuesday:

"I know the situation. Anywhere I sign, the Blazers are going to match. But my first choice was, and is, Minnesota. That’s where I want to play and that’s where I want to put my family. I’ve got nothing against the fans (in Portland) and nothing against the city. But this is a basketball decision and basketball wise, I want to be there."

Batum is currently in Madrid with the French National team in preparation for an exhibition game on Tuesday against Spain, and fully believes that he is the small forward of the future for the T-Wolves. Considering the organization obviously feels the exact same way, Batum is anticipating that the two teams can work something out soon. "I know that they’re working on a sign and trade, and I’m very hopeful that both of them understand my situation, do the best both for me and for them," Batum said.

For more 2012 free agency coverage, stay with this StoryStream. For more on the T-Wolves, head over to Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA news and analysis this offseason, be sure to visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

Alexey Shved To Sign With Minnesota Timberwolves, According To Report

The Minnesota Timberwolves made another big move on Tuesday in coming to terms with Russian guard Alexey Shved. While it likely won't be met with the same fanfare that the Brandon Roy signing was, it's still a very good one.

The Shved signing has been rumored for quite awhile, but Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press was able to confirm it on Tuesday afternoon.

Wolves folks think Shved will fit perfectly working off ball screens in Adelman's offense.

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) July 10, 2012

Shved is a 6-foot-5 guard who went undrafted a couple of seasons ago, but has reportedly improved quite a bit -- a nice thing, especially since he's still a rather young 23 years of age. The guys over at Draft Express were particularly high on him a couple of seasons ago:

Watching Shved play, it's tough not to be enamored with the terrific talent he displays, particularly his ability to play the pick-and-roll and operate in the open floor. He's got great size for either backcourt position at 6-5 and is an extremely fluid, creative player with the ability to create his own shot, which is rare for a European prospect. He has all the typical tricks you see from Euro-style slashers, relying heavily on timing, pace, change of speed and herky-jerky shakes and crossovers to get his man off balance, but he also has an extra gear he can go to to get by his man using either hand, particularly in transition.

In this regard, his style of play is very similar to the way Goran Dragic played for Phoenix this season. Shved is an even better passer, though. He instinctively makes smart, simple passes within the flow of the offense, but he can also wow you at times with his imagination and his ability to thread the needle and find the open man diving to the rim for an easy basket.

Shved has the ability to create shots for himself and his teammates, and he's capable of finishing lobs and transition plays above the rim, but he simply isn't strong enough to finish around the basket in traffic. Shved's frame is narrow and it hasn't seemed to improve much over the last few years. This creates a major problem for him because of the extremely physical league he plays in-the Russian league is one of the slowest-paced, most half-court oriented leagues in Europe.

Shved likely won't get big minutes early on in Minnesota unless Luke Ridnour or J.J. Barea is now traded in the wake of this signing, but he should be able to help out when does find himself on the court.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

Timberwolves Free Agency 2012: Kevin Love Says 'Front Office Needs To Step Up,' Make Moves

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love offered up some blunt quotes in an interview with Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears.

Love, who agreed to a four-year, $62 million contract extension in January, gave the interview while training with Team USA in advance of the Summer Olympics in London.

According to Spears, Love said:

"My patience is not high," Love said. "Would yours be, especially when I'm a big proponent of greatness surrounding itself with greatness? All these [Team USA] guys seem to have great players around them....

"If we don't make the playoffs, I don't know it's going to be me or something, but our management needs to step up and make some moves....

"But I think our front office and ownership needs to step up and get us some pieces. We need to make some moves. We can't just stand still. We have to make this happen."

In addition to trading for Houston Rockets forward Chase Budinger, the Timberwolves signed former Portland Trail Blazer Brandon Roy.

Outside of that, the team has reportedly been in talks with Boston Celtics restricted free agent center Greg Stiemsma, and is also interested in sharp-shooting guard Brandon Rush

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NBA Free Agency: Olshey On Batum: "Why Wouldn't Nic Want To Come Back Here?"

The future of Nicolas Batum remains uncertain, with the NBA's moratorium on free agent signings set to be lifted at 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday, July 11.

What we know is that the Minnesota Timberwolves want him, as they plan to offer the small forward a four year, $45 million deal as soon as they officially can. Batum, a restricted free agent, is set to accept it, giving the Blazers a chance to match. Portland has long considered him an important part of their core and has publicly stated its intention to match, but reports have indicated that Batum would prefer to join the Timberwolves.

Asked about the situation on Monday, new Blazers general manager Neil Olshey danced around Batum's intentions, via Jason Quick of The Oregonian:

Olshey asked: "Has Nic expressed to you that he doesn’t want to come back here?" Olshey answer: "Why wouldn't Nic want to come back here?''

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 9, 2012

This isn't exactly a denial of Batum's wish to be elsewhere, but Olshey doesn't seem too bothered by it. This makes sense, as the right to match the deal gives Portland all the power here.

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NBA Free Agency 2012: Minnesota Reportedly Interested In Shooting Guard Brandon Rush

Although the wheels are still in motion for the Minnesota Timberwolves in their quest to acquire restricted free agent Nicolas Batum, the team is also surveying the market for another athletic guard if things don't pan out. CBSSports.com's Ken Berger is reporting that the T-Wolves appear to be looking hard at onetime Kansas Jayhawks standout shooting guard Brandon Rush as a possible back-up plan:

A good fit at either destination, the 6-foot-6 Rush is a career 41.3% three-point shooter who is coming off a season with Golden State where he worked hard to carve out a role as a sixth man. Even as he attempted a career-low in shot attempts per game (7.2), Rush posted career-highs in field-goal percentage (50.1%), three-point percentage (45.2%), and points per game (9.8). To most scouts, the athletic wing is in line for an expanded role heading into his fifth NBA season, making him an extremely viable contingency plan for Minnesota if Portland refuses to let Batum leave town.

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NBA Free Agency 2012: Nicolas Batum Wants To Join Timberwolves

Nicolas Batum's time with the Trail Blazers may be coming to an end after the French small forward and his agent traveled to Portland Thursday to ask the Blazers not to match the Minnesota Timberwolves' offer sheet, according to CSNNW.com's Chris Haynes.

Minnesota's verbal offer reportedly stands at four years and $45 million, an offer which Portland will have the chance to match after July 11. If the Blazers do match despite Batum's wishes, a sign-and-trade would still be a possibility.

Batum grew frustrated with his role in Portland, which he felt limited him to being a spot-up shooter and wing defender instead of allowing him to get out and run the floor in transition, Bounda Ndiaye, Batum's agent, told Haynes.

The 6-foot-8 forward's visit with the Timberwolves and head coach Rick Adelman sealed the deal.

"Ndiaye says Batum is enamored with the opportunity of possibly playing with a true point guard in Ricky Rubio and a All-Star player in Kevin Love. They had dinner with Rick Adelman in which he went over his coaching philosophy and style. At that point, Batum was hooked, according to Ndiaye."

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NBA Trade Rumors: Philadelphia, Blazers And Timberwolves Could Strike A Deal

The Minnesota Timberwolves are putting their best effort toward acquiring Nicolas Batum, but after the Portland Trail Blazers said they'd match whatever offer David Kahn and Co. put forth, that task is proving to be a bit difficult.

There are other ways the Wolves could acquire Batum, though, and 1500 ESPN's Darren Wolfson reports that a three-way trade with the Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers is one way things could get done.

According to the source, the way to get Batum here is still via a sign-and-trade. David Kahn, the Wolves' president of basketball operations, will continue to talk with the Portland Trail Blazers throughout the weekend.

One scenario involves a three-way trade with Philadelphia. Andre Iguodala would go to Portland, Derrick Williams would go as part of a package to the Sixers and Batum would come to Minnesota. So far, Portland is balking.

It's unclear what else the Wolves would have to send to the Sixers in that deal, but it's certainly intriguing. The problem is Portland, though, so Wolfson reports that the Wolves might just look at acquiring Andre Iguodala instead of Batum -- thereby cutting out the middleman.

If Portland doesn't change its mind, the Wolves could revisit talks solely with Philadelphia about Iguodala. But as has been the case since the teams first started talking two years ago, the Wolves aren't big fans of his contract. It has two years left -- the second is a player option -- at approximately $30 million total.

The Wolves are obviously looking at making moves ... hopefully they're the right ones.

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NBA Rumors: Minnesota Timberwolves A Dark Horse Candidate To Add Ray Allen?

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been looking at improving their roster this offseason with the addition of a sharpshooter. The team has apparently focused some of their efforts, now that the Portland Trail Blazers are likely to match on Nicolas Batum, with one of the best shooters in the history of the game.

Ray Allen, a free agent coming up on the end of his career, has been rumored to all but be the Miami Heat's newest member. The former member of the Boston Celtics' "Big Three" might have an alternate destination in mind, though, according to ESPN's Ric Bucher.

Sources: TWolves are the heretofore unnamed dark-horse team in the Ray Allen Sweepstakes. Dark, though, as in jet-black.

— Ric Bucher (@RicBucher) July 6, 2012

It's almost impossible for this to happen right now considering the salary cap and such, but where there's a will, maybe there's a way. Regardless if the Wolves are able to figure out a way to make it work, it sounds like a long shot.

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Gregg Stiemsma Discussions With Minnesota Timberwolves Pushed To Saturday

The Minnesota Timberwolves have delayed negotiations with restricted free agent Greg Stiemsma until Saturday so that the team can organize the cap implications that will come with the verbal agreements the organization has made with Brandon Roy and Nicolas Batum, according to Jerry Zgoda.

Wolves push next discussion with RFA Greg Stiemsma until Sat while they figure out cap implications after Roy/Batum verbal agreements

— Jerry Zgoda(@JerryZgoda) July 6, 2012

On Thursday night, Minnesota submitted an offer sheet to Batum who is still tied to the Portland Trail Blazers because he is a restricted free agent. The Trail Blazers have said that they plan to match any offer that is submitted to Batum and will have to decide if they wish to do so with the Timberwolves four-year, $45 million offer.

Later on Thursday, reports began to surface that the Twolves had also extended an offer to Roy, who will attempt to return to action after early retirement because of knee injuries.

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Brandon Roy Signing Was a Must for Minnesota

Wolves finally get the veteran guard they desperately needed with Brandon Roy

NBA Free Agency: Timberwolves Will Host Russian Guard Alexey Shved

The Minnesota Timberwolves have made no secret about their want to make a splash in this year's free agency. They've offered contracts to Nicolas Batum, signed Brandon Roy and have also been trying to get Pau Gasol among other moves.

That doesn't necessarily mean that all the moves they'll be making will be big, of course. The Star Tribune reported on Thursday that the Wolves will be 23 year old Russian guard Alexey Shved at some point next week:

Shved, a 23-year-old 6-5 free-agent combo guard, is playing for the Russian national team this week in an Olympic qualifying tournament. Shved said he'd pick an NBA team based on where he'll get the most playing time.

The Russian has said that his decision on where to go in the NBA assuming he gets offered a contract or two will depend on where he feels he will be most likely to get playing time. He'll visit Memphis and Cleveland in addition to Minnesota.

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NBA Free Agency: Brandon Roy Hopes To Return Strong After Treatment For Knee Injuries

So far, one of the most surprising moves of the off season for the Minnesota Timberwolves when it comes to free agency has been their reported signing of retired Portland Trailblazers favorite Brandon Roy. Despite a long history of knee injuries and a recommendation from a team orthopedist that he never play again, he has decided to make a comeback in the game and it's the Wolves that he'll be joining.

According to Roy's agent Greg Lawrence, he has been working hard to make sure that he makes an impact in his first season back after a couple of procedures to get his knee ready for playing:

"He just wants a chance to earn what he can," Lawrence said. "If he is playing at a starter level, he wants to start. If he is playing at a sixth-man level, he will come off the bench. But Brandon is not going to come back and be the 13th man on the roster. He wouldn't do all this hard work to come back unless he felt he was going to make an impact."

There's also particular intrigue involved in watching when the Wolves head out to play Roy's former team, the Portland Trailblazers. The Wolves are in the same division, so the teams are guaranteed to meet several times:

"We talked about that, that there will be a lot of games in the Rose Garden," Greg Lawrence, Roy's agent, said. "And he said, 'That's going to be weird.' So I'm sure that will be a big night the first time it happens."

Adding in Roy, if he can stay healthy, is a big coup for the young and talent filled Wolves team. For a small contract considering how hard the supremely talented Roy has been working to get back into shape to play in the NBA once more, it might be the piece that takes the Wolves over the top from playoff bubble to playoff contender.

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NBA Free Agency: Brandon Roy Agrees To Join Minnesota Timberwolves, According To Report

One of the more intriguing free agents in the NBA the summer is Brandon Roy, a shooting guard with all-star talent and a history of knee injuries. But talent is hard to pass up and several teams have expressed an interest in signing Roy this summer after his latest knee injury forced him to leave the Portland Trail Blazers due to retirement.

According to Jason Quick of The Oregonian, Roy has decided to join Ricky Rubio, Kevin Love and the Timberwolves in the upcoming season.

Brandon Roy has come to a verbal agreement with Minnesota according to a person in Roy's family

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 6, 2012

Roy will fill a big need for the Wolves if he can provide stead production from the shooting guard spot. Roy last played in the 2010-11 season when he played 47 games and averaged 12 points, 2.7 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game. For his career, Roy has averaged 19 points, 4.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Quick went on to say he did not know any details of the deal.

UPDATE: Quick's report was confirmed by NBA.com's David Aldridge who also had the terms of the deal.

Reporting in real time, folks: impeccable source just texted of Brandon Roy, "It's minn". @jwquick had it first. Deal is 2 yrs, $10.4M.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 6, 2012

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NBA Rumors: Nicolas Batum Will Stay A Blazer, Not Become A Timberwolf

The Minnesota Timberwolves had been angling at acquiring Nicolas Batum, a restricted free agent, from the Portland Trail Blazers. Unfortunately that won't be happening, however, as the Blazers have apparently deemed Batum to be too important to their team.

The Timberwolves reportedly offered Batum $11 million per season and, while that sounds like a lot, no amount will be enough to lure Batum to the Twin Cities. Not necessarily because he's not interested, but rather because the Blazers have decided they'll do whatever it takes to keep him.

Blazers just complete meeting w/Batum and agent in downtown Portland and say they will match any offer and will not engage in sign-and-trade.

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 5, 2012

With those options off the table, Batum will now have the option of either playing out the final year of his rookie deal -- worth just over $4 million, according to ShamSports' salary database -- or signing a long-term deal with the Blazers. The latter option happens more often than the former and, if the Wolves decide to submit their offer anyway when the moratorium on free agents ends July 11, they'll have to match whatever long-term deal Minnesota puts down on paper.

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Nicolas Batum Offered $11 Million By Minnesota Timberwolves, According To Report

On Thursday afternoon, it was reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves had submitted an offer to restricted free agent Nicolas Batum in the range of $11 million per season. Bartum was given a qualifying offer by the Portland Trail Blazers on June 25, which means that if Batum accepts the Timberwolves offer, Portland will have three days after July 11 to match the offer.

If they do, Batum will have to play out the proposed deal with the Trail Blazers.

Minnesota's offer to Nic Batum in now in excess of $11M annually, per NBA source. How high would you go to get him?

— John Canzano (@JohnCanzanoBFT) July 5, 2012

Batum has spent the last four seasons in Portland averaging 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 26.2 minutes per game over that span.

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Timberwolves Free Agency 2012: Minnesota Target Brandon Roy Meets With Warriors, According To Report

Former Portland Trail Blazer Brandon Roy, who the Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly interested in signing this offseason, met this week with the Golden State Warriors, according to an article from the Associated Press.

Roy, the sixth-overall pick in 2006, has played his entire career in Portland, but the three-time All-Star retired prior to last season because of lingering knee issues, which have crippled him the past few seasons.

From the AP article:

The Golden State Warriors and Roy met earlier this week about him joining the team in the free agent's attempted comeback, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were preliminary, said the Warriors met with Roy on Sunday and were hoping to meet with the former Portland guard again this week. Nothing was scheduled yet.

The article says that while it's unclear how much money Roy is seeking, it is unlikely that he would sign the veteran minimum of about $1 million per year.

Bob Myers, Roy's former agent, is now the general manager of the Warriors.

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NBA Free Agency: Alexey Shved Has Offer From Timberwolves, Wants Playing Time

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to Russian guard Alexey Shved in free agency for good reason: the Wolves are looking for backcourt help and, if Shved's game translates to the NBA like some think it will, he and Ricky Rubio would make a dazzling tandem.

The latest out of his camp is that he has offers from three teams, including Minnesota. The key is that he wants playing time, via R-Sport:

The Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves have all offered contracts to the CSKA Moscow player, his agent Obrad Fimic told R-Sport on Tuesday.

"More than anything, I want to play," Shved said, when asked Tuesday about his criteria for choosing between the three teams.

"You need to see what the roster's like, what the coach is like, how they'll relate to me and what role they see me in."

Shved is playing for the Russian national team in Venezuela in Olympic qualifiers and he says he will "probably travel to the U.S. straight after the tournament." If Rick Adelman and David Kahn tell Shved what he wants to hear, perhaps he will provide what the Wolves are looking for.

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NBA Free Agency: Wolves Plan B's Include Andre Iguodala, O.J. Mayo, Louis Williams

It's no secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves have made Portland Trail Blazers small forward Nicolas Batum their No. 1 target this offseason. Batum's a restricted free agent, though -- what will Minnesota do if Portland matches the offer sheet?

According to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN, there are multiple backup plans:

The Wolves, like every team, have Plans B and C. It involves possibly trading for Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, although the source said that contract is troublesome.

They also have reached out to representatives for free-agent shooting guards O.J. Mayo and Louis Williams. Neither is scheduled to visit for now, but that could change based on Batum.

It is unknown what the Timberwolves would be willing to send the Sixers' way for Iguodala and there's no word on how serious they are about Mayo and Williams at this point.

Minnesota has also been linked to Russian guard Alexey Shved and, while Wolfson maintains Shved remains a Plan B or C, his agent says that the Wolves are one of three teams that have extended him an offer.

No contracts can be signed until July 11, when the NBA moratorium period is over.

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NBA Free Agency: Nicolas Batum Will Be Either A Timberwolf Or Trail Blazer

Free agent small forward Nicolas Batum will reportedly be a member of one of two teams next season: the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Portland Trail Blazers.

After reportedly receiving a four-year, $45-50 million offer from the Timberwolves, he will meet with the Blazers later this week, via Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com.

Restricted free agent forward, Nicolas Batum, will meet with the Portland Trail Blazers this Thursday or Friday in Portland, a league source says.

As a courtesy, Batum wants to hear the Trail Blazers' pitch before he proceeds to gauge the interest level of other teams, the same source says.

Haynes reports that, although Batum was previously thought to be meeting with New Orleans and Toronto, he has postponed all other visits.

Batum is a restricted free agent, so Portland has the right to match any contract offered by Minnesota or another team.

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Minnesota Timberwolves Free Agency 2012: Jordan Hill Meeting With TWolves

On Monday afternoon, ESPN's Los Angeles Lakers beat writer Dave McMenamin reported that free agent Jordan Hill met with the Minnesota Timberwolves to discuss offers. According to McMenamin, the meeting will dictate what Hill's market value will be.

Jordan Hill is currently in his meeting with the TWolves, according to a source. MIN's offer will set his market value.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 2, 2012

Hill has already played for three different teams since joining the league in 2009. Standing at 6-foot-10, 235 pounds, the 24-year old has a soft touch around the basket and is a capable offensive rebounder that keeps drives alive.

The former Arizona standout could be the necessary boost that the Timberwolves front court needs to take the next step. That is, as long as they can outbid the Lakers who are thought to be able to offer Hill somewhere in the range of a four-year, $17 million contract.

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NBA Free Agency 2012: Phoenix Suns Interested In Michael Beasley

The Minnesota Timberwolves declined to make a qualifying offer on small forward Michael Beasley, making him an unrestricted free agent. Beasley was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2008 and was traded to Minnesota in the summer of 2010. Despite some known character issues, he's only 23 years old, immensely talented and oozing with potential.

That said, there are a number of teams that will be vying for his services this summer and the Phoenix Suns are one of them according to the Arizona Republic:

The Suns are prepared to use the available space elsewhere with President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby, General Manager Lance Blanks and Coach Alvin Gentry meeting unrestricted free agent Michael Beasley Sunday in Los Angeles.

Beasley has career averages of 15.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

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2012 NBA Free Agency: Timberwolves To Host Jordan Hill, Greg Stiemsma For Visits

The 2012 free agency period is barely underway, but the Minnesota Timberwolves are already making plenty of noise, and plan to bring in free agent forwards Jordan Hill (Lakers) and Greg Stiemsma (Celtics) for a visit.

Hill, the eighth overall pick in 2009, has already played for three organizations in his brief tenure in the league, but has yet to crack a starting rotation. A standout athlete at 6-foot-10 with a soft touch around the basket and intriguing offensive rebounding skills, the former Arizona star is still just 24 years old and could be a serious boost to Minnesota's frontcourt if the T-Wolves are willing to go higher than the four-year, $17 million deal that Los Angeles can offer him.

Stiemsma, an undrafted commodity from Wisconsin who has carved out a niche in the NBA as a backup center, already received a $1.05 million qualifying offer from Boston. He too is still young enough to provide plenty of hope in the frontcourt at age 26. And after already offering Blazers restricted forward Nicolas Batum a four-year contract in the $45-50 million range, it's clear that Minnesota is well on its way towards replacing departed forward Michael Beasley right away in free agency.

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2012 NBA Free Agency: Timberwolves Reportedly Make Offer To Nicolas Batum

The Minnesota Timberwolves made a four-year offer in the $45 to $50 million range to Portland Trail Blazers restricted free agent Nicolas Batum, according to Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com

The Raptors and Hornets also have shown interest and will meet with Batum, Haynes says.

Batum, a 23-year-old forward from France, is a rangy and athletic forward known more for his defensive abilities than for his scoring, but he did post 13.9 points per game last year (mostly in transition and on second-chance opportunities).

He would be an interesting fit with the Timberwolves after the team did not extend a qualifying offer to forward Michael Beasley. Should Batum head to Minnesota, the Timberwolves will have nice length on the wing.

However, the Blazers still have the ability to match any offer sheet the Wolves could sign Batum to. A four-year offer worth north of $10 million per season may seem steep for a relatively unproven player like Batum, but if Portland feels strongly enough about the young Frenchman, it's likely they'll match it.

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Minnesota Timberwolves 2012 Free Agency: Decisions Coming on Michael Beasley, Anthony Randolph

The Timberwolves could have over $22 million in cap space as they enter free agency.

NBA Free Agency: Timberwolves Meet With Brandon Roy, According To Report

The Minnesota Timberwolves continue their pursuit of free agent guard Brandon Roy in advance of the July 1st date when teams can sign free agents. 1500 ESPN reported earlier in the week that the Timberwolves were ready to offer Roy a two-year contract to entice him out of his injury-forced "retirement" from the Portland Trail Blazers.

The latest news according to this tweet from Darren Wolfson reveals that Minnesota has expressed its interest to Roy in person.

Just heard the #Twolves met with FA Brandon Roy earlier today. Another sign that they want him badly. They like their chances to get him.

— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) June 30, 2012

If Roy signs elsewhere it won't be for lack of effort by the Timberwolves and David Kahn in particular as they have put the full-court press on Roy to resume his career in the Minnesota back court.

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Minnesota Timberwolves Confirm Interest In Brandon Roy

The Minnesota Timberwolves' interest in Brandon Roy is no longer just a rumor.

On Thursday, president of basketball operations David Kahn acknowledged that his club wouldn't mind adding the three-time All-Star who is currently on his comeback trail. But he didn't say much more than that, via Judd Zulgad of 1500 ESPN.

"I don't want to talk about that other than to say we're interested in him," Kahn said when asked what the Wolves saw in Roy.

Kahn was asked about Roy at the introductory press conference for the newest Timberwolf, Chase Budinger. Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN's reported on Monday that the Wolves would make Roy a two-year offer.

Roy has been working out in his hometown of Seattle, preparing for his comeback. He announced his intentions through his friend Will Conroy's Twitter account on June 15.

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NBA Free Agency: Timberwolves To Offer Brandon Roy Two-Year Contract?

Brandon Roy to possibly return to the team that traded him on draft day?