The Minnesota Timberwolves were close to reaching an agreement with free agent point guard Rod Strickland, his agent said Thursday, a move that would add depth to Minnesota's injury-thinned backcourt.

"It's getting close,'' agent Leon Rose said.

Terrell Brandon, recovering from February knee surgery, is out indefinitely and guard Felipe Lopez will miss the season with torn ligaments in his left knee.

The Timberwolves' season opener is Wednesday against Denver, and right now they've got only four healthy guards -- Troy Hudson, Kendall Gill, Anthony Peeler and Igor Rakocevic. Maurice Evans and rookie Marcus Taylor, Minnesota's second-round draft pick out of Michigan State, were waived Thursday.