I knew that the Timberwolves were one of three teams to be courting Mike James, but I’m surprised that Minnesota was able to land the free agent point guard. At the end of the season, James said that he wanted to play for Houston, and the Rockets put on a full court press, sending HC Jeff Van Gundy to James’ house on the first day of free agency. Dallas was another option – close to home, closer to a championship, but James chose to play for the Wolves, the team furthest from contention.
Minnesota got James for their full mid-level exception, with a contract length of four years. Rumor had it that he was set to sign a three-year deal, so maybe the extra year put Minnesota over the top. Either way, he should be a real good deal for at least the next two years. He’ll probably start alongside draft pick Randy Foye in the backcourt, and will be happy to provide the scoring that Kevin Garnett and the Wolves desperately need.
