Word in Indianapolis is that Pacers executives Donnie Walsh and Larry Bird would prefer to trade enigmatic forward Ron Artest soon but will be remain cautious and could keep the 6-foot-7, 252-pounder on the inactive list all season if they can't get the right deal.

The Timberwolves have admitted they are interested in Artest, and Indiana considers Minnesota rookie guard Rashad McCants a special talent. But it's unlikely the Pacers would be willing to take a chance on Wolves forward Eddie Griffin, considering his questionable past.

People who know, though, say Artest is not the bad character he's reputed to be and that he simply acts before he thinks.
"Artest is a great guy and a poor teammate," said an acquaintance.