KG: "Thank God For Opt-Outs"

Kevin Garnett's last words of a two-minute interview after Friday morning's shootaround were, "Thank God for opt-outs."

The term opt-outs was a reference to opt-out clauses in some NBA player contracts. Garnett has one, and he can exercise it following the 2007-08 season, leaving the final year of his deal worth $24 million on the table to become a free agent.

Garnett made the comment after a question about whether the passing of the trade deadline might lift a cloud that had been hanging over the team.

A few minutes later, Garnett emerged from the locker room and was asked if he wanted to clarify his comment about opt-outs.

"I didn't say that," Garnett said over his shoulder as he exited down a corridor. "I said 'opts.' I said 'outs.' "

Via Pioneer Press

Minnesota Timberwolves

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Sprewell Barred From Seeing His Children

Former NBA star Latrell Sprewell, accused of assaulting his girlfriend in front of their children, may communicate with his children only by phone, e-mail or text message.

Harrison Town Judge Marc Lust extended an order of protection Friday keeping Sprewell -- best known for choking Golden State Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo at a 1997 practice -- away from girlfriend Candace Cabbil and their four children.

Via AP

Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors

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Rockets Talk Deal For Mike James, Griffin Now Unlikely

The Rockets have had talks with the Minnesota Timberwolves about a long-shot deal in which they would acquire former Rockets Mike James and Eddie Griffin before today's trade deadline, two Western Conference officials said.

The Rockets, however, are among many teams that have inquired about James since he was replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Randy Foye. The Timberwolves are insisting that to get James any team must take Griffin, whom the Rockets, and most other teams, would likely then release.

Griffin has played in just 13 games this season and not at all since he was suspended for violating the NBA/NBA Players Association anti-drug policy.

Griffin and James earn almost $8 million, making it difficult if not impossible for the Rockets to make such a deal without including either Rafer Alston or Juwan Howard, options that could make a deal with the Rockets unlikely.

Think you can find Mike James a new home? Try by using RealGM's Trade Checker.

Via Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves

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