The Mavericks inquired about the availability of Al Jefferson prior to last week's NBA draft, according to sources close to the situation.

Sources with knowledge of the Mavericks' thinking, however, told ESPNDallas.com that Jefferson is a "down the list" target for the team who is unlikely to be pursued further until after Dallas makes a series of sign-and-trade bids for top free agents.

The Timberwolves will begin pursuing restricted free agent Rudy Gay once free agency begins late Wednesday night, according to a league source.

Minnesota executive David Kahn said Monday that he will make two calls to arrange meetings with unidentified free agents later this week.

Because of Gay's restricted free agent status, the Grizzlies will have the option to match any offer he receives on the market.

Timberwolves executive David Kahn doesn't understand why people aren't talking about his team as a potential landing spot for this summer's top free agents.

A deal involving forward Al Jefferson could allow Minnesota to take back a free agent that signs a maximum contract in a sign-and-trade.

"I don't want anybody here to feel like we're some poor stepchildren," Kahn said. "We're not. We're building something of great value that will be sustainable. I think we have a chance to have some serious discussions with free agents after July 1."

Kahn may seem as though he's looking through rose-colored glasses, but insisted that he's serious.

"I'll you know at about 12:04 a.m. on July 1," he said. "Seriously, not to be funny, we'll know."

Timberwolves general manager David Kahn decided to place Al Jefferson on the block over the younger Kevin Love.

Kahn tried to move Jefferson before last week's NBA Draft and he remains on the block. The forward has three years and $42 million left on his contract.

Minnesota isn't going to give Jefferson away, but they feel as though Love is a better fit in the triangle offense of coach Kurt Rambis.

David Kahn admitted on Friday that he is exploring a trade of Al Jefferson and the likelihood of a trade increases if the Wolves re-sign Darko Milicic.

"It's the right time finally for us to explore this," Kahn said of a possible Jefferson trade. "I've met with Al and discussed this. If Darko comes back, there could be a need to create some playing time. We really need to get our front line settled."

The Wolves appear determined to trade Al Jefferson.

Minnesota had been discussing making a trade of Jefferson for Zach Randolph, but talks are currently dead.

Randolph has one year remaining on his contract and Minnesota would possibly waive him.

Timberwolves president David Kahn says the team won't be trading away the fourth overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft.

"Whoever it is at 4, we're going to have a really fine player joining our roster," Kahn said Tuesday. "I'm really excited about the player we'll be getting, no matter who it is. I don't think I can really screw this one up."

Kahn called it "highly, highly, highly, highly unlikely" that the Wolves would deal the first of their three first-round picks to move up or down in the draft.

"The idea that we're thinking we have to move up to three is ridiculous," Kahn said. "We like four a lot. It'll be fine, no matter how it plays out. I can assure you, with almost near certainty, that we will not try to move up in these last few days of the draft into the top three."

The Grizzlies and Timberwolves are close to swapping first-round picks, a source has told ESPN.com's Andy Katz.

Memphis would send their 25th and 28th picks to Minnesota for the 16th selection.

The Nets are still undecided but leaning towards selecting Wes Johnson with the third overall pick.

If Minnesota wants to secure Johnson, sources tell Yahoo! Sports that New Jersey will require draft picks from the Wolves.

The Pacers are looking for a point guard and have called a number of teams about possible trades.

It was reported that Indiana called Minnesota involving a trade for Flynn and a swap of draft picks.

According to Mike Wells of The Indianapolis Star, the Timberwolves turned down the Pacers.