From Charley Walters/Pioneer Press:

It’s still unclear whether Ricky Rubio will end up with the Minnesota Timberwolves this season, but his management team is trying.

A little birdie says Rubio’s representation has been busy seeking product endorsement opportunities in Minnesota to help defray the cost of his $6.6 million contract buyout with his DKV Joventut Spanish team.

The Timberwolves drafted the 18-year-old point guard fifth overall this offseason.

From Mundo Deportivo (link and translation via HoopsHype):
DKV Joventut has not ruled out the possibility of keeping Ricky Rubio while not playing him.
Whenever he gets to the NBA, Rubio should be a media beast (if, like the article says, he plays well). Even if he’s still playing in Spain this season, you have to imagine some forward-thinking U.S.-based companies will want to get on the train early when he’s looking for them and before he’s in a position to reject offers.
The Wolves open the 2009-10 season on Wednesday, Oct. 28, against New Jersey. Now, all they need to do is finish putting together a roster and hire a coach.

Here are some other schedule highlights:
– Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics come to town on Nov. 4.
– Flip Saunders, Mike Miller and Randy Foye come to town with the Washington Wizards on Dec. 26.
– The defending champion Lakers don’t visit until April 9.

The Timberwolves will play a New Year’s Day game against the Orlando Magic at Target Center, but that isn’t the only date worth circling.

Here are some other highlights of the 2009-10 schedule, which was released today by the NBA:

The Wolves will open the season with back-to-back home games against the New Jersey Nets (Oct. 28) and LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers (Oct. 30).

From Jonah Ballow/Timberwolves site: 10 Home Games To Watch in 2009-10
Ryan Hollins won’t have to wait a week to learn his status for next season. He’ll be playing for the Timberwolves.

The Mavericks aren’t matching the Minnesota offer sheet signed by restricted free agent center on Monday. Hollins, an athletic 7-footer heading into his fourth season, is receiving a three-year contract for $7 million, according to league sources.

“He’s free,” Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson wrote in a text message to NBA.com.

From PRWeb.com: FanChatter Builds Momentum by Engaging Fans
From Kevin Travis/Washington Daily News: Wilkins excited about trade to Timberwolves
The 6-6, 225-pound guard/forward was more than happy to leave the Thunder.

“There are no hidden agendas,” Wilkins said about the Timberwolves. “I was there for four days and I had a great conversation with the general manager (David Kahn).

“I worked out for the team and the coaches said they liked what they saw. They said they didn’t know what they’d be getting and we’re happy with what they saw, and that was music to my ears.”

Wilkins is going to a Minnesota team, 24-58 last year, that is still without a coach. However, the affable Wilkins sees that as a plus.

“I see it as a good situation,” said Wilkins, who holds an annual “Fun Day” event and basketball camp in Washington. “Sometimes coaches get caught up in who they are going to play and how much they’re going to play them. When you go to a new team, sometimes you don’t have a chance to play because you’re already behind the eight-ball.