The Timberwolves contacted the Indiana Pacers last week and are interested in acquiring all-star Ron Artest, a source said Tuesday.

The discussions have not turned serious, and no formal trade offers have been made, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Wolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale declined to comment through a spokesman, citing league rules against tampering with players under contract with other teams.

Artest's agent said his client would be excited to play with Wolves all-star Kevin Garnett.

"Ron, he loves K.G.," agent Mark Stevens said. "He loves his game. It would be an honor and a privilege to play by his side."

Donnie Walsh, the Indiana Pacers' CEO and president, said about 10 teams are involved in the Artest discussions.

It would make sense that the Pacers, considered an Eastern Conference heavyweight, would want to trade Artest to a Western Conference team such as Minnesota. That would mean the Pacers wouldn't have to face Artest and his new team in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Walsh said more Western Conference teams are involved in the Artest talks than Eastern Conference teams.

"For sure I want to get this narrowed down by the end of the week to see what's real and not real," Walsh said. "You really don't have a deal until you do it. As of right now, there's a lot of interest. There's no deal close."