Anyone But KG For Artest From Minnesota

Minnesota is offering Indiana anyone on its roster not named Kevin Garnett in the hope of pairing Artest with KG. That's because the Wolves are as desperate as the Lakers to make a splashy move -- in their case to keep KG energized and confident in the club's direction -- and because they see KG and Artest (assuming Ron-Ron could actually be counted on) as a devastating combo.

If Artest wants to score more, as stated in his original trade demand, Garnett is unselfish enough to make that happen. And if Artest is ever going to defer to a teammate, KG also (theoretically) has the juice and presence to make that happen. The Wolves, though, have been trying to pull a third team into the mix to better their chances of assembling a package Indy likes.

Via ESPN

Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers

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Wally Playing Amid Trade Rumors

Timberwolves forward Wally Szczerbiak hears the trade talk. Wolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale has acknowledged that the organization has called the Indiana Pacers regarding Ron Artest.

So it's open season on trade speculation on sports talk radio and around office water coolers.

Artest is the hottest name on the market until the Pacers decide where to ship the former all-star.

Szczerbiak is aware of the speculation.

"It's tough not to (be). It's circulating so much," Szczerbiak said. "But I think this team is just focused on what we need to do. The coaches are keeping us really focused on playing games. We're trying not to worry about that. The whole Artest situation, we have to realize as players, is you never know when a deal will get done. "It's been known that Indiana doesn't mind leaving him on the (inactive) list all year. We just have to go about our business and play our game and try to get wins."

When there is trade talk involving Minnesota, Szczerbiak's name has been near the top of the list for years. As a former all-star who is a career 50 percent shooter, he is an attractive commodity.

"First of all, I try not to read the papers and not even get involved in it," Szczerbiak said. "You just focus on your job and what you're there to do. If it happens, it happens."

Via Pioneer Press

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Wolves Confirm Interest In Artest

Kevin McHale, the Timberwolves' vice president of basketball operations, acknowledged Wednesday that the organization is talking to the Indiana Pacers about acquiring Ron Artest.

The acknowledgement came after the Pioneer Press reported Wednesday, citing a source, that the Wolves contacted the Pacers last week and are among 10 teams in the running for the services of the mercurial all-star.

"A lot of people have talked to them, and we're one of the ones that have talked to them," McHale said. McHale declined to discuss the situation in detail, including when he thinks the Pacers might pull the trigger on a trade.

Wolves forward Kevin Garnett said he thinks Artest could fit in with the club "under certain specifications."

"We have a group that knows how to play with each other," Garnett said. "I'm pretty stingy when it comes to my teammates. I'm tight with (expletive) near everybody here. If not, I'm growing a relationship with them. It doesn't matter what I think half the time. They're going to do it (trade for Artest), or they're not going to do it."

Via St Paul Pioneer Press

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