According to basketball people who spoke with longtime Minnesota columnist Charley Walters, after Flip Saunders' Pistons contract expires in 2009, will be reunited with Kevin Garnett, who will be traded to the Lakers.

Randy Wittman signed a multiyear contract Wednesday to return as coach of the Timberwolves.

Terms were not immediately available, but the move had been expected since the Wolves wrapped up a disappointing season by missing the playoffs for the third straight year.

After speaking with Timberwolves' rookie Randy Foye, Andrew Perna discovered that he brought a 'mystery' good luck charm with him to the Lottery in Secaucus.

While we may never find out exactly what it is, we'll have to see if it helps Minnesota grab the top pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.

Afterwards Foye let Perna in on his secret, he was carrying a little genie bottle given to him by his niece.

Randy Wittman has agreed in principle to a three-year head coaching deal with the Timberwolves, according to a source that has spoken with Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press.

A contract is expected to be signed soon.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, who chatted with Kevin Garnett at Sunday's Lynx game at Target Center, asked if his franchise player will be back with the team next season.

"That's our assumption," replied Taylor. "He hasn't said anything to me (about a trade) and I haven't said anything to him."

Randy Foye acknowledged a lack of good luck in his life. He's hoping that pattern will change next week, for the sake of his Minnesota Timberwolves.

The NBA's draft lottery is scheduled for Tuesday night in New Jersey, just a 10-minute drive from Foye's home. Though 23 years old with only one season of service in the organization, Foye volunteered to represent the Timberwolves at the annual pingpong ball pop-up.

"The Knicks already are monitoring Garnett's situation closely, as well they should," writes Ken Berger of Newsday.  "Despite saying he's not looking to make major changes, Thomas also is focusing on Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal, perhaps even more so than Garnett."

Berger advocates the Knicks sending a talent and pick package for Garnett.  He states that Isiah Thomas would consider parting with David Lee to bring Garnett to New York.  "Even if Minnesota demanded David Lee as part of the deal for Garnett, it apparently wouldn't be a deal-breaker for Thomas," reveals Berger, "nor should it be."

Lakers forward Maurice Evans calls Kevin Garnett "one of my best friends in the league."

Evans said that Garnett's time in Minnesota might be coming to an end.

"I know he definitely wants out of that situation, deservedly so," Evans said Thursday.

"He's given his heart and soul to that (Minnesota) organization," Evans added. "And whether it be here or Minnesota or wherever, I hope for and wish him the best in his future."

Evans spent his rookie year with Garnett in Minnesota and said: "I would love to play with Kevin. He's obviously a great player and very unselfish and passes. He's so unselfish almost to a fault, so I would love to benefit from some of his overly unselfish passes. But who knows?"

Minnesota owner Glen Talyor said Tuesday that the Wolves would seek to improve by building around Kevin Garnett with Randy Foye, Rashad McCants and Craig Smith. Other players could be traded.

"But it's a little hard right now (during the playoffs) to talk to other teams," Taylor said. "We're looking at scenarios and options."