In a second potential deal with the Timberwolves, the Bulls would send Kirk Hinrich (who is scheduled to make $26.5 million over the next three seasons) for the expiring salary of 7-foot center Jason Collins and another unknown piece, possibly Brian Cardinal. This trade clearly would be a salary dump.
Minnesota, according to NBA front-office sources, has strong interest in Hinrich and is pursuing the 28-year-old to address a void at lead guard that hasn’t been filled by Randy Foye (whose success this season came after a shift to shooting guard) or the undependable Sebastian Telfair.

The Wolves also have two expiring contracts of their own (Jason Collins and Rashad McCants) that they’re prepared to shed.
Jonah Ballow/Timberwolves site talks to Fred Hoiberg about the season thus far.
Jonah: Looking ahead with Al Jefferson, how do you build around him? With a guy that is the cornerstone of the franchise, how do you make sure during his prime years, you get the most out of him and make a run to the playoffs and a championship?
Fred: With some of the players that we have right now, Kevin Love will be a very effective player alongside Al because of his passing ability, rebounding ability and he will get better defensively. I think it’s important Peković; our 6-foot-10 bullheaded player will come over in 2010 and be a big part of this team as well. We are going to have to draft well in the next few years. Then in 2010, we are going to have a ton of cap space to bring over some players. The draft picks coming up in the next couple of years will be very important.
The Sioux Falls Skyforce and Minnesota Timberwolves will jointly celebrate their 20th anniversary seasons this weekend in conjunction with Sanford Health. The celebration will begin in Sioux Falls on Saturday and will conclude in Minneapolis on Sunday night as the Timberwolves take on the Los Angeles Lakers.