Minnesota Timberwolves Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Odds & Ends: Tolliver, Rubio, Knicks

September 13th, 2012 at 10:40pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Anthony Tolliver has been working out with several Timberwolves players, namely Brandon Roy and Chase Budinger (Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune tweets). Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (via Twitter) looks at it as a sign that Tolliver "badly" wants to remain in Minnesota next year. In another tweet, Zgoda caught Nikola Pekovic's thoughts regarding Ricky Rubio, saying that while the Spanish point guard looks good and hopes to be running again next week, he is still aiming for a return in December. We've had quite a bit of updates tonight, so be sure to check out the newest tidbits from around the league here..

Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com tweets that Trail Blazers guard Elliot Williams is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday to repair a ruptured achilles tendon.
Justin Verrier of ESPN talks about Chris Bosh's willingness to continue playing center after contributing to a successful title run at that position with the Heat.
Free agent Maurice Evans remains confident in the leadership ability he can bring to a team, says Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today. Although a source suggested that the Wizards offered him a position in their front office, Evans says that he believes he still has value as a player.
ESPN's Chris Broussard writes that Hakeem Olajuwon is slated to visit with the Knicks for several days next week to continue working out with Amare Stoudemire in addition to helping Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler, and Marcus Camby. On another matter, Tracy McGrady's health looked "good" during his workout with the team (Ian Begley of ESPN New York tweets).
According to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, Dwight Howard's rehab is going well, although he won't be ready for the start of training camp or the start of pre-season. Earlier, Kevin Ding of The Orange County Register reported (via Twitter) that the Lakers were expected to make an announcement today regarding an update of Howard's recovery from back surgery.

Mickael Pietrus Close To Signing?

September 13th, 2012 at 11:49am CST by Luke Adams

Mickael Pietrus' camp believes that Pietrus is close to a deal with a team, according to Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500 (via Twitter). While Wolfson isn't sure which club is the frontrunner for Pietrus' services, he says it doesn't appear to be the Timberwolves.

Pietrus' agent said earlier in the offseason that his client wouldn't be signing for the minimum salary, and while that still may be the case, it's hard to imagine the 30-year-old getting too much more than that. Pietrus was said to be interested in returning to the Celtics for the team's bi-annual exception, and the Bucks were also eyeing the Frenchman, though their interest reportedly waned.

Pietrus has been well-traveled in recent years, playing for the Magic, Suns, and Celtics within the last two seasons. In 2011/12 for Boston, the 6'6" wing averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 21.9 minutes per game.

Wolves To Sign Will Conroy

September 11th, 2012 at 10:27pm CST by Chuck Myron

Guard Will Conroy hinted at a deal with the Timberwolves earlier tonight on Twitter, and it appears that's exactly what's happening, as Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News reports that he'll receive a partially guaranteed contract from the team (Twitter link). It will likely be a minimum-salary deal for the former University of Washington teammate and close friend of Brandon Roy.

The 6'2" Conroy has had stints with the Grizzlies, Clippers and Rockets, the last of which came in 2009/10. He's totaled just six points and 16 assists in 12 NBA games, but has played extensively in the D-League since going undrafted in 2005. He averaged 12.6 points and 9.0 assists with a 14.7 PER in 23 games for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers last year.

The Wolves have been focusing their attention on big men of late, so the move may be largely a favor to Roy, much as the Knicks' signing of Chris Smith was seen as a favor to his brother, J.R. Smith. Roy used Conroy's Twitter account back in June to announce his intention to come back from retirement.

Northwest Rumors: Williams, Stotts, Roy, Conroy

September 11th, 2012 at 8:46pm CST by Chuck Myron

The Blazers caught a tough break today, as guard Elliot Williams tore his left ACL during a voluntary workout, The Oregonian's Joe Freeman reports. He'll have surgery, but there's no date set for that and no timetable for his recovery (Twitter links). Williams missed his entire rookie year because of surgery on both knees, and this past season ended prematurely for him because of a dislocated left shoulder. He's played in only 24 games since the team drafted him 22nd overall in 2010, and though the $1.443MM he'll receive on his rookie scale contract this year is guaranteed, the Blazers have until October 31st to decide whether to pick up their option on his $2.374MM for 2013/14. There's more out of Portland tonight, along with news on other Northwest Division clubs:

Ben Golliver of Blazer's Edge speculates that the Blazers could choose to waive Williams now and pay his guarantee anyway, as they did with Jeff Pendergraph in 2010 (Sulia link).
New Blazers coach Terry Stotts spoke with the team's broadcasters and had plenty to say about LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard and the transition into his new job, and Golliver has a transcript of the video that's on TrailBlazers.TV.
Mark Remme of Timberwolves.com checks in on Brandon Roy, who's begun workouts with Wolves coaches.
Will Conroy, Roy's close friend and former college teammate, tweeted about his excitement to join Roy in Minnesota, perhaps indicating that a training camp invite from the Wolves is in the offing (hat tip to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News). Conroy briefly spent time with the Grizzlies, Clippers and Rockets, but only has 12 career NBA games and hasn't appeared in the league since 2009/10.
The Idaho Stampede, the Blazers' D-League affiliate, has hired Michael Peck, a high school coach at Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, as its new coach, Golliver reports (Twitter link). He beat out former Blazers assistant coach Dan Dickau, who was also reportedly a candidate for the post.
Thunder GM Sam Presti shared his thoughts on an extension for James Harden, as we noted earlier today.

Hassan Whiteside Working Out For Heat

September 11th, 2012 at 1:02pm CST by Luke Adams

Hassan Whiteside, who worked out for the Timberwolves last week, is in Miami today to audition for the Heat, tweets Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500. Whiteside's agent tells Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune that the Miami workout may not be his client's last, as there are a handful of other teams interested in having the former King work out for them (Twitter link).

The Timberwolves and Heat are among the teams still looking to add at least one more big man to their respective rosters. The T-Wolves are said to have interest in Mehmet Okur, but Okur is seeking more than a minimum-salary deal, which is all Minnesota can offer. The Wolves are still "very much in the mix" for Whiteside, according to his agent (Twitter link via Zgoda).

The Heat, meanwhile, have been frequently linked to former Knick Josh Harrellson, but he remains unsigned. Over the weekend, we heard that the Heat are considering bringing Harrellson on board, but Whiteside's workout suggests the team is still exploring its options.

In two seasons with the Kings, Whiteside recorded only 111 total minutes, but his height (7'0") and age (23) make him a potentially intriguing prospect for teams looking to add another frontcourt player.

Odds & Ends: Fegan, Childress, Anthony, Gee

September 10th, 2012 at 3:20pm CST by Luke Adams

Prominent NBA agent Dan Fegan has confirmed that he's no longer with Lagardère Unlimited, according to Liz Mullen of the Sports Business Journal (via Twitter). Fegan, who had been serving as the president of basketball at the agency, represents a number of NBA players, including big names like Dwight Howard and Nene. It will be interesting to see how many of those clients he takes with him.

Here are a few more Monday odds and ends from around the NBA:

Josh Childress will meet with Nets GM Billy King and coach Avery Johnson and work out for the team on Tuesday, according to Mike Mazzeo of ESPNNewYork.com. We heard last week that Childress and Dominic McGuire would work out for the Nets, but McGuire has since reached an agreement with the Raptors.
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel thinks the Heat could be angling to find a way to move Joel Anthony's contract. Anthony has three years remaining on his deal (including a third-year player option) for about $3.8MM annually.
Sean Williams remains on the Timberwolves' radar, tweets Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500. Wolfson had reported late last month that the T-Wolves were eyeing the big man.
Alonzo Gee's new deal with the Cavaliers, which was finally completed earlier today, was held up because Gee switched agents during the negotiations, says Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal (Sulia link). The Cavs wing is now represented by Happy Walters.
After the Kings, Cavaliers, Wizards, Bobcats, and Hornets drafted in the top five in June, Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld examines whether any of last year's NBA bottom-dwellers are ready to contend for the postseason in 2012/13.

Odds & Ends: Shaq, Howard, Gladness, Harrellson

September 9th, 2012 at 12:09pm CST by Chuck Myron

Shaquille O'Neal, speaking with Rachel Whittaker of The Times-Picayune, refuted reports that he would play a couple of games for a team in the Mexican league next month while still leaving the door open for such a cameo to take place, saying "we could talk, but nobody has contacted me." While the future Hall of Famer ponders a cameo south of the border, he said he's had little time to consider the implications of Dwight Howard with the Lakers. Shaq is "flattered" that D12 followed his footsteps from the Magic to the L.A., but he said, "I don't have a reaction. You have to care to have a reaction. I've got businesses to run. I always tell people that in order to step in my shoes you have big shoes to fill. For him, he's going to have to at least win three to get people's respect."

Here's more news from around the Association:

Keith Schlosser of Ridiculous Upside takes a close look at Mickell Gladness, who returned to the Heat on Friday with a non-guaranteed contract.
Despite the additions of Gladness and Jarvis Varnado, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says the Heat are still thinking of signing Josh Harrellson, who worked out for the team last month and is expected to take part in a Heat "pre camp" the next couple of weeks with other free agents looking to earn an invitation the club's formal training camp.
Wolves point guard Ricky Rubio says that he's targeting December for his return from knee surgery, Sergio Vera of the Spanish website Sport.es reports (translation via Joan Niesen of FoxSportsNorth.com). Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune adds a word of caution, noting that Rubio hasn't yet been cleared to run (Twitter link).
Kurt Helin of NBCSports.com breaks down Hakeem Olajuwon's recent comments to Yannis Koutroupis and Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld, and disagrees with the Hall of Famer, arguing that elite talent doesn't need to be more evenly distributed throughout the league.

Free Agent Notes: Whiteside, Anderson, Foote

September 7th, 2012 at 2:51pm CST by Luke Adams

With the 2012/13 basketball season fast approaching both in North America and overseas, players still on the free agent market are looking to find jobs within the next few weeks. Here's the latest on a handful of players still in search of employment:

The Timberwolves were "encouraged" by Hassan Whiteside's workout yesterday, but haven't decided whether to offer him a contract, tweets Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500.
Kevin Anderson, who played his college ball at the University of Richmond, worked out with the Cavaliers this week, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando. After going undrafted in 2011, Anderson played in France last season.
Jeff Foote had a brief NBA stint last season when the Hornets signed him to a 10-day contract, but he'll be heading overseas for the coming season. Lithiuanian team Zalgiris Kaunas announced today that they've signed the big man out of Cornell (translation via Sportando).
In a piece for Ridiculous Upside, Gino Pilato says Allen Iverson, who still wants to return to the NBA, should consider playing in the D-League.

Timberwolves Maintain Interest In Mehmet Okur

September 5th, 2012 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Based on recent reports, is seems as if the Timberwolves will add at least one more body to their frontcourt before training camp begins, and Mehmet Okur remains on the team's radar, according to Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500 (Twitter link). However, the T-Wolves can still only offer a minimum-salary contract, so unless Okur will accept such a deal or GM David Kahn can clear cap space by making a trade, it's unlikely Okur ends up in Minnesota, says Wolfson.

While the Timberwolves could comfortably bring aboard a player on a minimum salary, many of the free agents they've been linked to are seeking larger deals. Whether this suggests Kahn is considering moving salary or that the club is hoping one of its targets eventually settles for the veteran's minimum is unclear. However, Joan Niesen of FOX Sports North tweets that Anthony Tolliver continues to check in with the T-Wolves as well, to see if the team can bring him back.

The Timberwolves used their cap space this summer to sign Andrei Kirilenko, Brandon Roy, and Alexey Shved, then used their $2.575MM room exception on Greg Stiemsma. Okur, meanwhile, is coming off a year in which he earned over $10MM, but only appeared in 17 games due to back issues — if he were to sign for the veteran's minimum of $1,351,181, it would be his lowest salary since he earned $1.1MM in 2003/04.

Odds & Ends: Rockets, Magic, Whiteside

September 5th, 2012 at 1:33pm CST by Zachary Links

Jan Hubbard of Sheridan Hoops offered his reflections on the biggest stories of the NBA offseason, including the Lakers' fleecing of the Magic in the Dwight Howard trade. New General Manager Rob Hennigan obviously wasn't working from a position of strength when he made the deal and wound up getting players taken at at 15, 16, 25, 27, 30 and 37 in their respective drafts in exchange for the league's best center. Here's more from around the Association..

Rockets coach Kevin McHale told Jason Friedman of Rockets.com that he plans on playing an inside-out game with the team as currently constructed. We looked at part one of Friedman's interview with McHale yesterday.
In an interview with HoopsWorld, Hassan Whiteside disclosed that he has a workout set with the Timberwolves for this week. Minnesota is on the lookout for free agent bigs and reportedly watched the 7-footer in Houston as a part of John Lucas' camp last month.
While the Clippers' hire of Gary Sacks as General Manager may seem like an uninspired choice from the outside, it was actually a smart one given his support throughout the organization, writes Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com. Sacks picked up major endorsements from players this offseason, including star forward Blake Griffin.
Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld (via Twitter) doesn't believe that Tracy McGrady could help the Bobcats as he is more of a distraction than a savvy veteran that can help young players. The Bobcats are reportedly looking at McGrady and may work him out sometime soon.