The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Derrick Williams with the #2 overall pick in last month’s draft, however after July 1st, the NBA locked out it’s players after failing to negotiate a new labor agreement (Collective Bargaining Agreement-CBA).

William—like all rookies, was hoping to sign a big contract, but that won’t happen anytime soon, so with no money-what are the options for Derrick this summer and likely well into the fall?

Williams has stated that he’ll get money from his agent, trading card company, or by other means.  ”If I do that, I ought to be good.  If I need more, I can take out a line of credit or whatever, but it’s not like I’m going to need much,” Williams told the Los Angeles Times.

Williams is represented by the same agent as Kobe Bryant—Rob Pelinka (as is Wolves guard Wesley Johnson).  Kobe Bryant is reportedly trying to organize a team of NBA players for a “barnstorming” tour around China for non-NBA exhibition games—this of course is a possibility that could land the rookie a paycheck.

Williams has also stated that he may go back to school (in Arizona) and work towards his bachelor’s degree—in business—which is a promise he made his mother (to go back to school and get his degree).

Williams will also likely host a number of basketball camps around California where he grew up.  

And he’ll likely be playing pickup games and working out for, WHENEVER the 2011-12 season begins.

That’s all for now, thanks for reading and remember to check daily for all your Timberwolves news, information and updates all year long.  GO WOLVES!

The 2011 NBA Offseason has been going for quite a few months for the Minnesota Timberwolves after they failed to reach the postseason—yet again.  Today, we’ll take a look at where some of your favorite Timberwolves are and what they’re doing this offseason and during the current NBA lockout!

• Kevin Love had his jaw broken in May during a medical procedure to correct his bit.  He’s been cleared to return to the basketball court at the start of June, but he wasn’t able to fully participate in full-contact pickup games when he was in Minnesota in late June to play with new Wolves acquisitions: Ricky Rubio & Derrick Williams.  Kevin Love has spent the majority of the offseason in California—taking some time off, because of the long summer.  He’s recently begun to get back in the gym to work on his “game” and is currently in Oregon—where he grew up.  He’s also been doing a few endorsements (I’m sure you’ve all seen “Love in the Shower”—Right Guard).

• Anthony Tolliver is the Minnesota Timberwolves’ union player representative.  He attended the bargaining sessions in New York City in late June, however when the League imposed the labor lockout just a few days ago (June 1st—12am), Tolliver was in Bora Bora in the South Pacific-on his honeymoon.

• Michael Beasley has been working out in Los Angeles with teammates Wesley Johnson & Derrick Williams.  He’s also been worked out regularly and probably mentored by former NBA star Norm Nixon.

That’s all I’ve got right now, however with the offseason likely lasting longer than wanted (with the NBA lockout) this could be the first update of many.  Thanks for reading and check back daily for your up-to-date TWolves news, information and updates all year round.  GO WOLVES!

The Minnesota Timberwolves have decided to pick up contract options on three of their players—Wesley Johnson, Wayne Ellington & Lazar Hayward.

Wes was a rookie last season averaging 9ppg, 3rpg & almost 2apg.  He also set a franchise record for made-threes by a rookie with 103.  Wes will likely be the Wolves starting shooting guard next season, unless they find someone else in free agency—seemingly unlikely.

Wayne Ellington will be picked up for his fourth year in Minnesota.  In his time, he’s been a serviceable backup at the 2-guard.  Providing a deadly mark from 3.

Lazar was also a rookie last season as he played sparingly behind Michael Beasley & Martell Webster.  He’ll likely be the fourth option now at the small forward—since the addition of Derrick Williams throws that off a bit.  Beasley & Williams will receive most of the minutes at the 3, Martell will likely get some time at the 2-guard, leaving Lazar as the last option.

The decision(s) to retain these three players has come just two days before the potential labor lockout (7/1).  Which could—potentially, wipe out all of next season!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned all year round for your daily TWolves news, information & updates—GO WOLVES!! 

The new-look Minnesota Timberwolves, workout-Ricky Rubio, Derrick Williams, Malcolm Lee, Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Anthony Randolph, Wesley Johnson and Martell Webster at the TWolves practice facility!

Jonah Ballow talks with Minnesota forward Michael Beasley, about the offseason, Derrick Williams, Ricky Rubio and…Skittles.

Jonah Ballow catches up with Minnesota Timberwolves all-star forward Kevin Love to discuss the offseason and teaming up with new acquisitions: Derrick Williams & Ricky Rubio

The Minnesota Timberwolves introduce their newest player: Derrick Williams following the 2011 NBA Draft

Wolves David Kahn talks with the media during the 2011 NBA Draft about: Derrick Williams, their young roster, the Wolves’ ‘untouchable’ players, the future in Minnesota, free agency discussions and the dire need of veteran leadership

Wolves Writer/Editor Jonah Ballow talks with the #2 overall pick—Derrick Williams after a photo-shoot at the Target Center in Minneapolis Minnesota.

A first look at Minnesota Timberwolves’ Derrick Williams in his new Wolves jersey

CBSSports.com’s Mark Morgan speaks with former Arizona forward Derrick Williams—who was drafted #2 overall tonight (6/23) by the Minnesota Timberwolves—in the 2011 NBA Draft.

The heads of Minnesota TWolves fans are still spinning as they attempt to decipher who exactly the Wolves drafted and who will be playing in a TWolves uniform next season. I’ll do my best to clear the air, if anyone is still left dazed and confused.

First off, the easy one, with the #2 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Arizona forward Derrick Williams. Williams will be thrown in with the bevy of forwards the Wolves already posses—Michael Beasley, Martell Webster, Wesley Johnson, Lazar Hayward, Kevin Love, Anthony Randolph & Anthony Tolliver. Tonight, David Kahn made clear to the media that Derrick Williams will be playing for the Wolves next season and that Michael Beasley ‘supported’ the Wolves selecting Williams. With that being said, Williams could still be moved for a GREAT offer, but it would take some/a special player(s) in return. Furthermore, Michael Beasley could be on the move, though David Kahn stated that Beasley isn’t going anywhere…time will tell.

After the #2 pick things got INCREDIBLY murky for the Wolves.

The next pick Minnesota had was #20 which they acquired before the draft via the Memphis Grizzlies. With the 20th overall pick, the TWolves selected Donatas Motiejunas…though he won’t be a Minnesota Timberwolf. The Minnesota Timberwolves then turned around and sold his rights to Houston, along with Jonny Flynn for Rockets big man-Brad Miller as well as the 23rd & 57th pick(s).

That’s right Wolves fans, Jonny Flynn has played his last game for the Minnesota Timberwolves—though, he may not even play for his new team: the Houston Rockets, as they’re reportedly already looking to move Flynn (the idea being that they shed Miller’s $9M contract for Flynn’s $3M contract).

Then came the Wolves 23rd pick, which they had just acquired from the Rockets. With the 23rd overall pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected…Nikola Mirotic…for the Chicago Bulls! That’s right, Mirotic’s rights were promptly sent to the Bulls for their 28th & 43rd overall picks in the draft.

With that, the Wolves’ next pick was at 28 where they selected…Norris Cole…for the Miami Heat! AGAIN, the Wolves moved the pick to Miami and in return, received the 31st overall pick in the draft as well as a future 2nd rounder and cash considerations. How did the Heat have the 31st pick in the draft you may ask?! Oh, that’s right, it was sent to Miami from Minnesota in the Michael Beasley deal!

All right, the Wolves next pick was then the 31st overall. If you haven’t realized yet, the Wolves have now selected at 2, 20, 23 & 28 and so far have just new rookie on their roster: #2 overall pick: Derrick Williams! With the 31st overall pick, the TWolves selected…Bojan Bogdanovic…for the New Jersey Nets! Is anyone else sensing a pattern? That’s right, the Wolves selected this pick for the New Jersey Nets and in return received…cash considerations.

At this point you may be wondering: “Why do the Wolves keep trading away all their picks for $.” Well, if you’d been on Twitter, the rumor circulating would’ve been, that, since Kurt Rambis had been fired, the Wolves had to finance his buyout because the minority owners didn’t want to pay for it! David Kahn quickly refuted those rumors while talking to the media, but because most fans refer to Kahn as a “Little Weasel”, does that make you want to trust him? Does the way he dragged out the Rambis situation and treated Kurt extremely unprofessionally, make you want to trust him?

Anyway, back to the draft. The Wolves then selected 43rd. This was a pick acquired from Chicago via the Utah Jazz, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected UCLA guard Malcolm Lee…for the…Minnesota Timberwolves. Wait, is that right?…THAT’S RIGHT! David Kahn took and intends to keep Malcolm Lee.

Finally, with the last pick in the draft for the Minnesota Timberwolves the Wolves had the 57th pick. This was acquired in an alternate trade. The Blazers and the Mavericks swapped some picks/players-Rudy Fernandez went to Dallas, the Blazers got the 57th pick and the 26th pick (Jordan Hamilton). Then they sent Hamilton along with Andre Miller to the Nuggets for point guard Raymond Felton! All Wolves fans need to know, we got the 57th pick and with it…Tanguy Ngombo a forward from Qatar. Pete Philo—a scout for the Wolves reported has seen him play more than once and is very high on him. Though Ngombo will stay overseas for a year or two. I, myself have never heard of him, so I had to do a bit of research and rather than regurgitate what I found, follow the link below for an excellent story as well as video highlights of the Wolves’ newest international player.

http://www.asiabasketballupdate.com/1/post/2011/06/targuy-ngombo-qatars-nba-hopeful.html

A small sidenote: the trades that I’ve discussed above are those pertaining to the Minnesota Timberwolves, there were more trades that took place, but I’ve only listed the ones that are relevant to Minnesota!

Well, hopefully we’ve helped to clear the air! I’ll be around as always providing you with daily updates on TWolves news & information. Any questions, comments or concerns about tonight’s draft or anything TWolves feel free to message me or find me on Twitter: @donnycersado27 for clarification. Thanks for reading, GO WOLVES and GOOD NIGHT!