Demps laughed at Internet speculation there has been trade talks between the Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder regarding point guards Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.

“(Thunder GM) Sam Presti and I, our offices used to be right next to each other, so we still text each other all the time, and I can assure you that has not been a conversation we’ve had,” Demps said, cracking a smile as he spoke to reporters.

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: Losing players in free agency leads to speculation. Losing games also leads to speculation.

It`s no surprise there was speculation that the New Orleans Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder were considering swapping Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook.

Paul can opt-out of his contract next summer. He can leave New Orleans as a free agent. The Hornets will get nothing back. 

Meanwhile, Westbrook, fair or not, became the scapegoat for the Thunder losing the Western Conference Finals to the Mavericks.

Critics felt he was trying to get his offense at the expense of teammates. And critics felt his score-first mentality will make it difficult for the Thunder to take the next step.

A trade makes sense for both parties, right?  Well, wrong.

Hornets GM Dell Demps denied ever having a conversation about swapping point guards with Thunder GM Sam Presti.

It`s a no to the inquiring public. The real, unofficial story could be different.

Demps and Presti came up together with the San Antonio Spurs. They were tight. And still are. Demps admitted they text each other all the time.

Know this: NBA executives are no different than you or I. They do business with executives they trust and like.

For instance, Kevin McHale, when he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves, wrapped Kevin Garnett in a bow and gave him to former teammate and friend Danny Ainge, who was and still is boss of the Boston Celtics.

For instance, Jerry West played a part in Pau Gasol leaving Memphis for Los Angeles. West was once the front office Tsar for both the Grizzlies and Lakers.

If Paul for Westbrook happens, it will be because of the relationship between Demps and Presti.

After all, what's a swap of All-Star table-setters between friends?

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Yes, he will. A winding, often secretive 23-month saga over whether Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio ever will play for the Timberwolves is over. Rubio on Tuesday signed an NBA contract to play with the team next season, a league source confirmed Wednesday night to the Star Tribune.

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: After more delays than a Dre album, Ricky Rubio has finally crossed the Atlantic Ocean and signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Wolves drafted Rubio two years ago. But he stayed in Spain. For 23 months.

Rather than pay a multi-million dollar buyout to join the NBA`s Siberia, Rubio stayed in Spain. And the rumors flew.

Most assumed this was a ploy by the Spaniard to force a trade. And most, myself included, thought he`d never actually play for Minnesota.

Executive David Kahn was willing to wait. Rather than succumb to outside pressure, he held firm and sold Rubio on playing with budding stars like Mike Beasley and Kevin Love, the NBA`s Most Improved Player.

The hype and chatter is over. Rubio has landed state-side. And he must produce.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

David Kahn is returning as president of the Minnesota Timberwolves next season. The prospects for Kurt Rambis returning as coach aren't nearly as promising.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Only in Minnesota.

Only in Minnesota can executive David Kahn stay at the expense of Coach Kurt Rambis. Rumors suggest Kahn will keep his job as president of the Timberwolves, while Rambis will likely be pink-slipped at season’s end.

Rambis didn’t assemble the Wolves’ young, cheap, and inexperienced roster. Rambis didn’t waste a lottery selection on Jonny Flynn.

And Rambis wasn’t the one who failed to convince Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio to cross the Atlantic Ocean and play in The Frozen Tundra of ‘Sota.

It was all Kahn.

Yet Rambis will likely take the blame. Changing the coach is the easiest option –even if it isn’t right.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Two non-playoff teams provided a classic ankle breaker.

Last night, Michael Beasley crossed up Jared Dudley with time running out in a meaningless but entertaining game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns.

Watch the clip and get at us with thoughts on Beas’ embarassing Dudley in the comment box below.   

--Oly Sandor.

Not all the Lakers were upset with the league's decision. "I'm proud of him," Kobe Bryant said of Bynum. "He earned his stripes."  Bynum will need to be careful the rest of the regular season if he wants to avoid further discipline. He will be automatically suspended for one game if he commits another flagrant foul, type 2, before the end of the regular season. The Lakers were hoping for leniency from the league. Bynum isn't known as a rough player with an angry demeanor.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: If Andrew Bynum was worried about his flagrant foul on the Minnesota Timberwolves' Michael Beasley, he can stop.

Kobe Bryant has Bynum’s back. Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar and one of the game’s premier players, beamed like a proud parent when asked by reporters about Bynum’s foul and suspension.

Now Bryant obviously doesn’t want Beasley to get hurt. Other than that, he’s clearly thrilled with Bynum’s flagrant foul.

Consider the following: opposing teams will be hesitant to drive the lane against the Lakers; Bryant’s squad are finally playing their best with the playoffs fast approaching; Bynum is absolutely dominant in the paint.

It’s interesting to reflect on how far Bryant and Bynum have come. These two weren’t always tight.

In fact, Bynum often found himself on the wrong side of Bryant’s rage. Not long ago, the Black Mamba complained to two strangers outside a strip mall that the club didn't trade the seven-footer to the New Jersey Nets for Jason Kidd.

Two championships have a way of changing things. With Bynum plugging the middle, the Lakers have to be favoured to win a third.

Now wonder Bryant has Bynum’s back.  

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The league handed down its verdict this morning, suspending center Andrew Bynum for two games without pay for thumping Michael Beasley to the court during the fourth quarter of the Lakers' victory Friday night over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bynum will sit out tonight's game against the Portland Trail Blazers and Tuesday's contest against the Phoenix Suns. Beasley suffered a bruised left hip when he hit the floor.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Los Angeles Lakers are better when Andrew Bynum is involved physically -even if that comes at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Michael Beasley.

Yes, Bynun’s foul on Beasley was a bit much. Yes, it deserved a suspension. And yes, the Lakers have to love Bynum’s recent physical play.

The massive seven-footer has been a changed man since having his name bandied about in trade rumours. Like the Lakers, Bynum has stepped up his play following the All-Star break.

With Bynum dominating the middle, the purple-and-gold is unstoppable. After all, they’re too big and too massive for every team in the NBA.

The bad news is the Lakers will make do without Bynum for two games. The good news is he’s playing better than ever, which greatly improves their chances at three-peating.

Watch Bynum’s foul on Beasley and tell HoopsVibe News if his increased physical play is good for the Lakers?

--Oly Sandor.

What were the odds of Kevin Love's double- double streak ending at 53 Sunday with a reeking, 100-77, thud -- six points, a dozen rebounds in 33 minutes -- against an escort service like the pedal-to-the-metal Warriors? Can Kurt Rambis and the Timberwolves' ball handling play-callers rationally explain how Love merely managed to get six shots -- making one and 4-of-6 free throws? you would presume Rambis possesses the presence of mind and the coaching aptitude to get Love a few more field goal attempts, if not a couple more baskets.

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As the Timberwolves limp to the 50-loss mark and beyond, it becomes a question of which number will be greater at the end of the season: Minnesota's loss total or Kevin Love's double-double streak, which reached a record 52 Wednesday night. Of far greater certainty is the status of coach Kurt Rambis, who appears to be on his way out after only two seasons.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The current state of the Minnesota Timberwolves is not Kurt Rambis’ fault.

It’s not Rambis’ fault the Wolves are the one of the NBA’s youngest teams.

It’s not Rambis’ fault the Wolves have one of the league’s lowest payrolls.

It’s not Rambis’ fault Executive David Kahn has given him a wing-heavy roster with one superstar in Kevin Love.

And it’s certainly not Rambis’ fault the Wolves have hedged their bets to Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio, who may or may not join the club two years after being drafted by Kahn in the lottery.

None of that matters, though. The rumor is that the organization is pushing to change the coach. This push is coming because Kahn knows he can’t change the players he accumulated, so he’ll change who sits on his bench.

The Wolves should consider firing Rambis –but only if they are serious about replacing him with a star sideline boss like, say, Mike Brown. Reports indicate they’re looking at an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks, Kelvin Sampson.

Sampson may eventually turn out to be a good head coach. However, the Wolves need a guy with legitimate experience as an NBA head coach. Not a guy who needs time to learn on the job.

Gambling on a rookie head coach will likely produce the same results of fifty loss seasons and annual reservations at the draft lottery in New Jersey.

And that won’t do.

-Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

"I think (Minnesota) has a star in the making in Ricky Rubio," Cuban said. "We tried to trade up to get Rubio," Cuban said. "But we weren't close. We would have loved to draft him."

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe in the comment box below.

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Frye later added, "People just aren’t afraid of him. It's just not as concealed. I think an elbow here, maybe tripping somebody or grabbing hold of them, that happens and it’s just people playing hard. But other stuff is a little different, being a little disrespectful. It is what it is. He plays like that and that’s what he does. Everybody knows it, but it’s not like I’m out here thinking what am I supposed to do against KG."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Garnett is always in the middle of ‘it’.

The ‘it’ refers to the delicate grey area of the game; the Boston Celtics’ post specializes in giving elbows, shoves, and/or pokes that draw the ire of opponents.

This, of course, is the point.

Garnett is no longer a top five player, capable of dominating purely with skill. As an older, complementary player, the veteran has more and more turned to, well, ‘interesting’ tactics.

And folks are taking note. Like Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva.  Even famed movie director Spike Lee has weighed in on the KG debate.

To be fair, Garnett was a similar player in Minnesota. But he never won much or made regular appearances on TNT and ESPN, so the elbows and knees were less of an issue.

However, the green-and-white has the second best record in the NBA. Last season, they were a game away from winning their second championship in three years.

So Garnett is getting attention. He won’t change, though. Not a thing. No matter what Channing Frye and others think or say.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Timberwolves are one of the teams that have called the Suns to check on the availability of Steve Nash, reports Marc Stein.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Should Minnesota Timberwolves fans laugh or cry after hearing Executive David Kahn tried to trade for the Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash?

After all, Nash isn’t a fit for the Wolves. And the Wolves aren’t a fit for Nash. These two would be the worst match since Anna Nicole Smith married that old billionaire.

Nash is 37 years old. The two-time MVP has a limited time horizon, and will only leave the warmth of Phoenix for a contender. Not a good playoff team, but a class organization with legitimate championship aspirations.

Class and championships are words one doesn’t associate with Glen Taylor’s Wolves. And Nash may retire rather than suit up for the rebuilding Wolves.

This would actually be a positive for the Wolves, who must develop Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio -whenever the Euro sensation crosses the Atlantic for America.

Kahn doesn’t see it that way, though. Perhaps he’s inquiring about Nash and Anthony to prove to pending free agent Kevin Love he’s serious about upgrading the team’s talent.

However, Kahn has no chance at either superstar. And his failures only reinforce the Wolves’ inadequacies.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

I’m not saying the Wolves are or should be looking to trade Love- the sole issue at point is that they would not hang up the phone immediately if Sam Presti came calling.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: On the surface, it doesn’t sound realistic –Kevin Love joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook with the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder.

Here are two facts about Sam Presti, the Thunder’s lead executive, resident whiz kid, and one of the up-and coming suits in pro sports.

First, after making his bones with the San Antonio Spurs, Presti has rebuilt the Thunder through astute drafting, collecting undervalued assets, and maintaining fiscal sanity. He’s ready to use some of these excess chips to put his club over-the-top with a significant trade and/or signing.

Second, that may mean trying to bring the league’s leading rebounder to Oklahoma City. After all, Presti has a plan for every situation and scenario, and knows how well Love would complement Durant, Westbrook, and the raw Serge Ibaka.

Right now, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Love seem connected. The country strong post has given the lowly Wolves an identity for the first time since you-know-who was dealt to the Boston Celtics.

These two are far from married, though.

Love may be having a fine season; however, he’s not untouchable. He has shown little interest in inking a long-term extension with the Wolves. His relationship with Coach Kurt Rambis is touch-and-go.

Bottom line: Love wants to win now. No more waiting; no more rebuilding. He knows he won’t win championships in The Frozen Tundra of Sota.

While it isn’t likely, Love to the Thunder isn’t impossible. It makes some sense. For now, that will keep us talking.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

In the three-team package, the Knicks would be giving up Wilson Chandler, Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry's expiring contract. That would seem too good to be true, and one person familiar with talks said there could be other pieces involved.

"I don't think we have anything going, but we're getting a feeling for possibilities,'' Walsh said before the Knicks played the 76ers at the Garden. "We have a better feeling for what's going to happen.'' In Donniespeak, that means things have progressed, with the trade deadline still a very long 19 days away. The Nuggets would get a first-round pick, Chandler and Minnesota's Corey Brewer, but the feeling is they would have to gain more for this deal to take place.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Trading for Carmelo Anthony makes as much sense for the New York Knicks as re-hiring Isiah Thomas.

Maybe less.

After all, Anthony wants to suit up for the Knicks. He’ll take less of everything – shots, cold hard cash, and spotlight- to call Madison Square Garden home.

Why give up an expiring contract, Eddy Curry, and two young assets, Wilson Chandler and Anthony Randolph, when Anthony will sign as a free agent and cost nothing but money?

Speaking of money, Anthony will cost less as a free agent. Suppose the Knicks acquire Melo before the February 24th deadline. They would need to honour the final year of his max contract and extend him under the old Collective Bargaining Agreement.

So Anthony would make $18 million in 2012 and possibly $20 million per year from 2013 to 2016.

Suppose the Knicks hold off on a trade. To become a free agent, Anthony would have to opt-out of the last year of his current contract and leave $18 million on the table.

His next contract would fall under the new CBA, which will reduce all player salaries –even those paid to superstars.

Waiting for Anthony would cost the Knicks far less in terms of assets and money. It’s the smart, prudent move.

Unfortunately, there are rumblings Thomas will return to New York and replace executive Donnie Walsh, despite causing nothing but mayhem and destruction.

Perhaps Anthony becomes a Knick before February 24th.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Love was caught off-guard.

Before last night’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis invited the cameras into his locker room.

Rambis wanted to tell Love he was an All-Star. The NBA’s rebounding leader had been named as a replacement for injured center Yao Ming, who the fans voted in.

The personable Love was at a loss for words, which amused Bill Laimbeer, the former Detroit Pistons great who is currently an assistant coach with the Timberwolves.

Watch Love’s reaction and tell us if you think he should be an All-Star in the comment box below..

--Oly Sandor.  
 

Minnesota GM David Kahn called a New York Times report this week on Ricky Rubio "much ado about nothing" and "not worthy of a response." An unnamed source close to Rubio indicated that the point guard wants to play for Boston, New York or Miami when he comes to the NBA. Kahn said he remains "absolutely" certain Rubio will join the Wolves next season after a buyout with his Regal Barcelona team becomes affordable.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will Ricky Rubio sign with Minnesota? Or, will he force a trade to a larger market?

Simply put, nobody knows. And nobody should be certain. Rubio, himself, is unsure what he’ll do when he can finally afford the buyout on his contract with Regal Barcelona this summer and cross the Atlantic to the NBA.

There’s some reason to believe the Spanish teenager will start his career with the Wolves. After all, Kevin Love has blossomed into a superstar, while Michael Beasley can certainly score.

David Kahn, the club’s lead executive, seems to have built a relationship with Rubio and his representatives.

This, however, is the Timberwolves. They’re one of the league’s worst teams. They play in one of the league’s worst markets. And they have an uncommitted owner who mistreated former franchise face Kevin Garnett.

Rubio knows this. So do his people. And where begins his career will be an unknown until he signs on the dotted line.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Minnesota Timberwolves are bad, but there’s no need to turn out the lights.

Yesterday, the Minnesota-Orlando game went to black when the lights went out at the Target Center. Apparently, it was a technical glitch and not a disgruntled Wolves fan expressing their dismay.

Watch the clip and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s on.

The Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin and the Portland Trail Blazers’ LaMarcus Aldridge recently set the NBA ablaze with their alley-oops.

Our question is simple: who had the better catch-and-jam?

Do you prefer Blake-Zilla’s aerial antics against those miserable Minnesota Timberwolves? Or, did Aldridge’s poster-job of the Milwaukee Bucks catch your eye?

Watch both clips and get at us in the comment box below with thoughts?

(Blake-Zilla shows no mercy against the Wolves.)

(Aldridge soars against the Bucks.)

--Oly Sandor.

If disenchanted Carmelo Anthony is still with the Denver Nuggets at trade time in February, look for the Timberwolves to make a serious run at him.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Delusional, crazy, and silly.

This is the only way to describe a reporter’s assertion that the Minnesota Timberwolves will, or should, chase Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony won’t ink an extension with Denver because they lack a co-superstar, play in a small market, and are thousands of miles from his home out east.

Consider the state of the Timberwolves: despite having young pieces, they lack a bonafide co-superstar; ‘The Frozen Tundra of Sota’ is the league’s version of Siberia; and Minnesota is far, far away from Anthony’s base of New York.

Of course, the Timberwolves can make a ‘run’ for the forward. They can even acquire him. However, they have zero chance at getting Anthony’s signature on a long-term extension.

So why bother? Think of the optics.

Suppose the Wolves pull off the impossible and land Anthony. They’d have to give the Nuggets young players, expiring contracts, and draft picks.

Come July 1st, Anthony walks as a free agent. In fact, he sprints away from Executive David Kahn and the Timberwolves.  

The forward will take less money to sign with the New York Knicks. Perhaps he’ll do the same for the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, especially if it means ditching Minnesota.

The Timberwolves would then have nothing to show for this sad saga –nothing except the shame of losing a superstar. Their have-not status would again be clear for all to see.

Like I said, it’s delusional, crazy, and silly. Here’s hoping the Timberwolves invest their time in more worthwhile pursuits.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Earlier this week, Kevin Love had 20 points and 20 rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers. Last night, he became the first player in 28 years to tally over 30 points and 30 rebounds.

There are many explanations for Love’s fine play of late: he has always had talent; he’s finally healthy; he’s no longer sharing the frontcourt with Al Jefferson; he’s taken another step in year three.

Of course, conspiracy theorists believe Love has stepped up his play so other teams will call the Minnesota Timberwolves and inquire about his availability.

Perhaps there’s truth in all of these.

However, there’s no disputing winning a gold medal with Team USA at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey had a positive influence on Love.

Love is fitter, more confident, and understands his place in the game. The same can be said for Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook, who also benefited from representing stars-and-stripes.

Hopefully, other players take note of Love and Westbrook’s improved play and are more open to suiting up for their country.

Click the videos below to watch highlights of Love’s historic game and hear his comments on notching 30 and 30. 

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

One team that would be an ideal fit for Love, Houston, has explored the possibility to the point of presenting trade scenarios to the Wolves. Those overtures, sources say, have been met with an icy response. Another team to keep an eye on with regard to Love is the Trail Blazers.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: For NBA stars, the Minnesota Timberwolves are Siberia.

Minnesota is cold. The Timberwolves have annual reservations at the league’s draft lottery in New Jersey. And the franchise has never recovered from wasting Kevin Garnett’s golden years.

Make no mistake about it, Kevin Love wants out of Minnesota. He knows their rebuilding efforts are failing. And he knows lottery-pick Ricky Rubio will stay in Europe until he gets a trade.

The Rockets would be an interesting fit. Love could platoon with center Yao Ming and international four-man Luis Scola.

The Blazers would also be interesting. Love is from Lake Oswego, an affluent Portland suburb. However, LaMarcus Aldridge is firmly entrenched at the four-spot. He could clash with Love –like former Timberwolf Al Jefferson.

Bottom line: look for Love to continue lobbying for a trade. Minnesota, also known as Siberia, is no place for an up-and-coming star.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The reality is, we are still lacking a dominant player – our version of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade or Kevin Durant – and that will remain an item at the top of the To-Do list.

It’s possible this player could emerge from within the roster.  Nearly every player on our team has his best days ahead of him.   Some could make an All-Star team during their careers and one has already become an impact player on the USA Men’s National Team in this year’s FIBA World Championships.  We also have eight players currently on the roster who were selected in the top-seven of their respective drafts:  Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Wes Johnson, Jonny Flynn, Darko Milicic, Corey Brewer, Martell Webster and Ricky Rubio.

The average age of those eight players is 22. However, if one of our players fails to emerge, we will be prepared to find more talent for our team – and we will seek a singular move rather than a series of moves, as we did these last 14 months.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The ‘singular move’ Minnesota Timberwolves executive David Kahn mentions isn’t happening in today’s NBA.

Superstars want to play with other superstars. For instance: there’s The Three Kings in Miami; The Big Four suit up for the Boston Celtics; and Kobe Bryant and his star studded supporting cast have won consecutive championships with  the Los Angeles Lakers.

No elite player worthy of Kahn’s ‘singular move’ tag will sign with the Timberwolves, especially as a solo act. Their young supporting cast is irrelevant; superstars still remember Kevin Garnett wasting away in The Frozen Tundra of ‘Sota.

Kahn quickest way to attaining a superstar is through the draft. In fact, he may already have a potential superstar in Ricky Rubio, the club’s 2009 lottery pick.

Of course, it’s not known if Rubio is merely refining his game in Europe or refusing to play for the lowly T-Wolves.

Either way, Kahn’s job is bigger than a ‘singular move’.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

I hope we have a plan. I don't know what it is at this point. We obviously made a lot of moves, but I'm out there playing and thinking between the lines, not making decisions. I'm just trying to hope for the best and that we keep getting better as a team.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: He hasn't earned the right. Not yet anyway.

As a third-year post known for more for twittering than on-court play, Kevin Love doesn't have the superstar pedigree to bash Minnesota GM David Kahn.

In July, Kahn dealt Al Jefferson to the Utah Jazz, so Love could play the four-spot, his natural position. And Love repays the organization's loyalty with criticism that appears on CNNSI's website.

Of course, Love is also missing the point: he is The Plan. He's the leader by default. And this is his team.

His comments will set a negative tone for current and potential teammates. After all, what will the mood be at training camp? And Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio will be even more opposed to crossing the Atlantic and joining the Wolves.

Ironically, Love wants to ink an extension with Minnesota and be part of a contending team. Perhaps he should choose his words more carefully.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.   

Delonte West, who played last season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been suspended without pay for ten games for pleading guilty to carrying a concealed weapon and wearing, carrying, and transporting a handgun, in violation of the law of the State of Maryland, the NBA announced today. West is currently a free agent. If he signs a contract to play again in the NBA, West’s suspension will begin with the first game of the NBA regular season for which he is eligible and physically able to play.

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Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem was arrested Sunday for possession of marijuana following a traffic stop in Miami-Dade County.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This isn’t good for Udonis Haslem or the Miami Heat.

After all, Haslem is heavily connected to the area. He was born in Miami, attended Florida University, and has spent his entire career with the Heat.

This summer the club signed him to a five-year extension, in part, because of his positive standing in the community.

Now taking a toke on the whacky stuff doesn’t make Haslem a bad guy, but it does show poor judgement and must make Executive Pat Riley question his professionalism.

Of course, the Heat probably thought they were past these issues when they dealt troubled Michael Beasley to the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer.

Well, they’re not. The surprise is that Haslem is the player in trouble.

--Oly Sandor. 

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: When reading today's NBA news, you surely thought who is Anthony Tolliver? And why should I care if he's now with the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Well, you're not alone.

Yesterday, Tolliver signed with the lowly Wolves. It wasn't where he signed, but how he signed that made news. He announced his contract in a spoof to LeBron James, creating a short video called The Decision Part Deux.

Somehow, the news he was taking his talent 'north' didn't result in Warrior fans burning his jersey, his former owner pulling a Dan Gilbert and publishing a nasty letter on the club's website, or Jesse Jackson making comparisions that sparked a national outcry.

Nevertheless, The Decision Part Deux is still amusing. Watch the video and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

The Lakers are trying to trade guard Sasha Vujacic along with a future first-round pick in order to get his salary off the books, according to sources.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers completed their first post- LeBron James personnel move on Monday night, trading troubled guard Delonte West and point guard Sebastian Telfair to the Minnesota Timberwolves for point guard Ramon Sessions, 7-footer Ryan Hollins and a future second-round pick.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The wait is over.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have finally completed their first transaction in the post LeBron James era, sending Sebastian Telfair and Delonte West to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Ryan Hollins, Ramon Sessions, and a future second round draft pick.

After losing James on national television, the Cavaliers came close, but failed to sign Matt Barnes and Kyle Lowry.

They got their man in Sessions, a young combo guard who will fit Coach Byron Scott's up-tempo system next to fellow combo guard Mo Williams.

Sessions, the Timberwolves' big free agent signing last summer, became the odd man out when the club signed signed Luke Ridnour to a four year pact last week.

He'll have something to prove with the Cavaliers. He'll play well.

Hollins is a long, athletic big man. As a former track star, he can rebound, defend, and block shots; however, he's raw offensively.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have already announced they'll waive West and pocket the salary cap savings. Telfair will serve as Ridnour's back-up while starter Jonny Flynn recovers from hip surgery.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Timberwolves president David Kahn is confident that young forward Michael Beasley has matured. Kahn said Beasley used "too much marijuana" during his time with the Heat.Miami drafted Beasley with the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

"He's a very young and immature kid who smoked too much marijuana and has told me that he's not smoking anymore," team president David Kahn said in an interview on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, "and I told him that I would trust him as long as that was the case."

Sessions, rumored to be on the trading block, said, "I'm a Timberwolf right now, and I expect to be one next season."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Credit Ramon Sessions for taking the high road.

One summer after signing a multi-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he no longer fits the club's plans.

Jonny Flynn will start at point guard. Newly signed Luke Ridnour will be the back-up. And next summer Ricky Rubio could swap the European professional circuit for the Frozen Tundra of 'Sota.

So Sessions will be traded, but still said the right things at the Timberwolves' basketball camp. He could have taken a different approach like a certain retired sharpshooter turned analyst who shall remain nameless (click video below). 

('Don't call me 3D no more.')

Expect Sessions to soon find a new home as a reserve combo guard. The former D-league star could still develop into a Vinnie Johnson, instant offense type off the bench.

And his positive, professional attitude can only help.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Things were just fine until Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn - in an attempt to justify re-signing Darko Milicic to a 4 year, $20 million contract - compared The Human Victory Cigar to Chris Webber.

C-Webb, who was co-interviewing Kahn and sitting next to him, clearly took exception. And things got, well, awkward.

Fortunately, this was captured on camera for you to view over-and-over again. So click the video below and get at us with thoughts in the comment box.

-- Oly Sandor.
 
(Clip found on Yahoo’s Ball Don’t Lie blog.)

The Timberwolves are close to signing free-agent point guard Luke Ridnour to a multiyear deal, according to league sources. The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that the contract is worth $16 million over four years.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Luke Ridnour is in. Ramon Sessions is apparently out.

Reports indicate the Minnesota Timberwolves are on the verge of signing Ridnour, a veteran table-setter who'd make an ideal mentor and back-up to Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio -provided the Spaniard ever arrives in The Frozen Tundra of 'Sota.

Landing Ridnour is a solid move; however, it's surprising how quickly the Wolves soured on Sessions. One year ago he also signed a four-year, $16 million deal to serve as the club's reserve point guard.

Something changed last season. And now something else has to change before next season.

Expect Minnesota to shop Sessions, and the Charlotte Bobcats - who wisely backed out of a deal with the Toronto Raptors for Jose Calderon - will have interest.

After all, Charlotte executive Michael Jordan has a hole to fill at the one-spot after Ray Felton signed with the New York Knicks.

So the Ridnour signing won't be the last of the Wolves' busy off-season.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below!

The Utah Jazz have quickly moved into the lead to acquire Al Jefferson and were actively working Monday night to complete a deal with Minnesota, according to NBA front-office sources. 

Sources told ESPN.com that the Jazz and Timberwolves are on the verge of completing a trade that would slot Jefferson's contract into the $14 million trade exception that Utah created earlier this week in its sign-and-trade deal with Chicago for Carlos Boozer.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Instead of reflecting they’re reacting.

Recently, the Utah Jazz lost co-star Carlos Boozer when the power forward became a free agent and inked a five year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Bulls.

While the Jazz had repaired their contentious relationship with ‘C-Booz’, they wisely decided against overpaying the undersized power forward, especially since Paul Millsap and Andrei Kirilenko were on the roster.

So why the infatuation with the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Al Jefferson?
 
Recent reports had the Jazz acting like the Portland Trail Blazers, and impulsively trying to acquire Jefferson, a good but hardly great post.

Jefferson is the kind of player who posts good number on a bad team. Like Tony Campbell, Cedric Ceballos, Armen Gilliam, and David West, he gets his when the first option.

This makes him perfect for fantasy leagues or stat-heads, however, he’s ill-equipped to be a key cog on a collectivist squad like the Jazz.

For instance, Jefferson struggled alongside Kevin Love in Minnesota, so how will he fit with fellow ‘fours’ like Millsap and AK-47? And why are the Wolves, one of the league’s worst teams, desperate to dump him?

The answer is simple: Jefferson is overrated and due an excessive $42 million over the next three years.

Of course, the Jazz’s system is so airtight and concise that Jefferson will probably be fine. And he does have considerable length, something that was missing with Boozer’s compact frame.

Still, Utah could have used the cap space to upgrade the shooting guard position instead of adding another power forward, especially one who has struggled with conditioning in Boston and Minnesota.

It’s surprising the great Jerry Sloan and Utah didn`t figure this out. Perhaps they were reacting and not reflecting on what`s already on their roster.

--Oly Sandor.
   
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Heat have offered Mike Miller a five-year deal, worth approximately $27 million-$30 million. Miami has given Miller a deadline of Thursday night to decide. Miller has been told by the Heat that they are 'confident' LeBron James will be joining the Heat.

There are rumors of three-way trade discussions among Golden State, Minnesota and New York, in which Al Jefferson would be sent to the Warriors, David Lee to the Timberwolves, and Monta Ellis to the Knicks.

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Darko Milicic has agreed to a four-year, $20M deal with Minnesota.

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David Kahn says he plans to call two agents at 11 o'clock Wednesday, when the NBA's free-agency negotiation period begins. I hear from a good league source that one of those two guys is Memphis forward Rudy Gay.I texted David Kahn for a confirmation or denial Monday evening and he did not respond.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This makes sense.

The lowly Minnesota Timberwolves should target Rudy Gay, the athletic swing with the Memphis Grizzlies. While young and talented, Gay has been overlooked because this year`s free agent class features superstars Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Joe Johnson, Amar`e Stoudemire, and Dwyane Wade.

But Gay has the explosiveness to become an All-Star. And the Wolves are desperate for a small forward to complement their bevy of point guards and power forwards.

Best of all, Gay is ripe for the picking because Minnesota - which has just $25 million in committed salary for 2011 - can afford to float a big ticket offer, while small market Memphis may lack the resources to match.

So perhaps the Wolves make a splash in this summer`s free agent market.

Got thoughts?

The Celtics will be equipped on Thursday with their mid-level exception and all of the veteran minimum deals they can throw at people. Expect Mike Miller - the talented wing for the Washington Wizards who once played for Rivers - to be a target.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Could Mike Miller replace Ray Allen?

After years with Minnesota and Washington, Miller is desperate to join a contender like Boston. If healthy, the former Rookie of the Year will spread the floor with his shot, fit in on defense, and act like a professional.

In the words of Bob Barker, 'The Price is Right', too.

Miller, at best, will command mid-level exception money instead of the $10 million he earned last year.

Of course, re-signing Allen, also a free-agent, will be a priority for the Celtics. However, the green-and-white has concerns about offering a long-term deal because he turns 35 in July. Another team could a multi-year pact, though.

If Allen and Boston can't agree on term, Miller could start at shooting guard for the Eastern Conference champions.

Got thoughts?

David Kahn admitted on Friday that he is exploring a trade of Al Jefferson and the likelihood of a trade increases if the Wolves re-sign Darko Milicic.

"It's the right time finally for us to explore this," Kahn said of a possible Jefferson trade. "I've met with Al and discussed this. If Darko comes back, there could be a need to create some playing time. We really need to get our front line settled."

The Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves are close to swapping first-round draft picks, a source with direct knowledge of the situation tells ESPN.com's Andy Katz. The Grizzlies would send their 25th and 28th overall picks to Minnesota for the Timberwolves' 16th pick.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: On the surface, this rumor seems insignificant.

However, it does show that Memphis and Minnesota are looking to improve and will be active during Thursday`s draft and free agency.

For instance, the Grizzlies recently called the Hornets about Chris Paul, while the Timberwolves turned down the Pacers' lottery pick for point guard Jonny Flynn.

Both squads also have larger issues to contend with.

Memphis wants to re-sign restricted free agent Rudy Gay -but only for reasonable money. A sign-and-trade involving Gay is an option.

And Minnesota must decide if forwards Al Jefferson and Kevin Love can play together. They`ve also got to convince 2009 lottery pick Ricky Rubio to cross the Atlantic and run the offense in 2012.

These teams will be linked to more rumors and will be stay all summer.

Got thoughts?