The loss of 4 draft picks and a payroll that far exceeds the salary cap will force Minnestoa to get creative if they hope to improve. Steve Aschburner of the Star Tribune examines the Wolves options this summer as well as their obstacles.

The Timberwolves, who played the Sacramento Kings in Tokyo to open the 1999-2000 regular season, will play the Toronto Raptors in an exhibition game in Cologne, Germany, on Oct. 13, the NBA announced Thursday.

Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Bulls should put the offer of Ron Artest, Marcus Fizer and a high second round pick back onto the table in exchange for Timberwolves forward Wally Szczerbiak.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) -- The Toronto Raptors and the Minnesota Timberwolves will meet in a pre-season game in Germany in October, the NBA's European office said Thursday.

The Oct. 13 game will be held in the Koelnarena, in the western city of Cologne, which can seat about 18,000.

Two days earlier, the Raptors will play Telekom Baskets Bonn, a German top division club.