Steve Aschburner of the Star Tribune reports that Wolves owner Glen Taylor was shot down by the other NBA owners. He proposed that megabuck players like Kevin Garnett who signed their contracts before the advent of the luxury tax, should only count as today?s maximum salary when figuring tax payments.

There are only a handful of players that fit in this category like Garnett, Alonzo Mourning and Juwan Howard. That, combined with the fact that any money not paid into the tax pool would be money not distributed to fellow owners made it difficult for Allen to get a lot of support. It didn't help Taylor's case that the L.A. Lakers extended Shaquille O'Neal's massive contract, at a raise, with full knowledge of the looming tax.

"We had our opportunity to share our view," Taylor said. "I accept their decision."

Taylor said that the Wolves might have to pay $6 million or more in luxury tax, and could have their share of the disbursement reduced, for exceeding the estimated payroll threshold of $54 million. If Garnett, who will be paid $25.2 million, were counted merely as a maximum player, the Wolves would pay no tax.

Taylor said that a proposal to shorten the waiting period, from two years to one, for a disabled player to come off a team's salary cap still is being considered. That could affect the Wolves, for instance, if guard Terrell Brandon's comeback is unsuccessful and he opts to retire.