Wolves Updates 9/30
Buckner signed
as a free agent last summer for $18 million over five seasons. The Mavs
hoped he would add perimeter defense and toughness, but he was erratic
last season.
Wolves coach Randy Wittman praised Buckner's professionalism,
leadership and versatility. Buckner's lighter contract also might make
him a better candidate to have his contract bought out if the Wolves
cannot otherwise reduce their roster from 16 to 15 or fewer by opening
night Nov. 2.
It's clear that Greg Buckner's contract, which
includes a buyout clause, was a reason for the trade that sent Trenton
Hassell to Dallas on Friday. Buckner is guaranteed $3.5 million this
season and $3.76 million next season. But after that, the Wolves can
get out of the remaining two years on the deal with a $1 million buyout.
Alonzo on Chris Richard:
Richard spent much of the summer working out with
the Wolves at Target Center, showing his commitment to the team even
though he hadn't signed a contract. Now he has - terms weren't
disclosed - and he can move forward.
Jerry Zgoda/Star Tribune addresses 10 questions about the new team, including the player most likely to lead the team this season:
The most obvious candidate is 13-year NBA veteran Juwan Howard, but
he's the reluctant Timberwolf who said he will guide this team by
committee with veterans Theo Ratliff and Mark Madsen for as long as he
is in Minnesota.
The most willing candidate? Randy Foye...
From Sid Hartman:
Marko Jaric, attending the Timberwolves media session Friday,
made it very clear that he has asked to be traded and would prefer to
play for another team this season. ... Wolves forward Mark Madsen,
who injured his shoulder in a personal watercraft accident in August,
said his "rehab is coming great. ... Hopefully I'll be other playing
full speed in six weeks."
Pssst: The Dallas Mavs' 6-11, 235-pound Nick Fazekas, who is Nevada's all-time leading scorer, was discussed as an inclusion for the Timberwolves in the Trenton Hassell-Greg Buckner trade Friday night.
Despite the Timberwolves' rebuilding project, more
than a few people were interested in buying the midcourt Target Center
seats that were owned by departed Kevin Garnett, and they sold the other day for $26,500 each for the coming season.
Look for Timberwolves radio producer Bill Hohenecker to resign.
"I'm not worried about any comparisons or anything like that. I'm my own
player. I know we've got some big shoes to fill because of the things he has
done here. But it's a challenge for me. I always like a big challenge."
