Wolve's land Mike James

[buzzsaw]

The Minnesota Timberwolves' willingness to make a four-year commitment to Mike James has landed them the best point guard still available on the free-agent market.

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that James on Tuesday agreed to sign a four-year contract with the Wolves worth an estimated $25 million.

James also confirmed the agreement to radio station ESPN790 in Houston on Tuesday.

Wednesday is the first day free agents can officially sign contracts.

James had narrowed his choice to Minnesota, Dallas and Houston -- where he maintains an offseason home -- and indicated over the weekend that the Mavericks had a slight edge, largely because of his relationship with Mavs coach Avery Johnson and their recent trip to the NBA Finals.

But the Mavericks, according to sources, wouldn't commit to more than a three-year offer to the 31-year-old. James told the Houston Chronicle that the Rockets would not offer a four-year contract that included a player option to become a free agent after the third season.

Minnesota's four-year pitch includes the ability to become a free agent after year three and a trade kicker, which pays him a bonus if he is dealt by the Wolves. It also provides the chance to team with Kevin Garnett won it for the Wolves, who have injected their backcourt with plenty of scoring potential by signing James and acquiring rookie Randy Foye on draft night.

"They had a great conversation and that meant a lot to Mike," James' agent, Bill Duffy, told The Associated Press. "Garnett told him he needed him there. That says a lot about Garnett to do that and it says a lot about Mike that Garnett wanted him."

Signing James alleviates Minnesota's need to start Foye as a rookie. James would likely team with Ricky Davis as the Wolves' starters in the backcourt, with defensive stopper Trenton Hassell at small forward and Foye coming off the bench.

If Foye can make an immediate impact and James can approach his production from last season's breakout performance in Toronto -- 20.3 points and 5.8 assists per game, as well as 44.2 percent shooting from 3-point range -- Garnett figures to be pleased.

The Wolves have resisted all trade interest in Garnett, vowing to take one more stab at building around their 30-year-old franchise player by finding scorers to play off him.

Even though he's building a new house in Houston, James was adamant that the Rockets include the trade bonus after the Rockets dealt him to Toronto on the first day of training camp last season.

"I had to have two things; only one team gave them to me," James told the Houston Chronicle. "Everyone gave me the same amount of money. I specifically asked for a player option on my third year and a trade kicker, and [the Rockets] said no. I had to have those two things. After what they put me through, I couldn't sign with them without those things."

Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. To e-mail him, click here. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

[TNFL]

True to form the wolfies over pay for another aging one year wonder.Just scrap the whole team and start over.

[Ely Lake Expert]

Mike James, is that kind of like Mike Jones? just kidding

[FI Guide]

Garnett dialed the wrong number he meant to call Lebron James to come to Minny but dialed Mike James's number instead. Whoops KG my bad.

[ole]

Upper management on this team flat out STINKS!! They really have no clue as to what direction they're going in. They need to find a couple of big grinders up front to bolster KG and decide on who is going to play the gaurd positions! I think they got a good one in Foye but is he ready? One thing is certain, they have to flat out stick with whatever direction they decide to go in and live with it. If that means losing a superstar then so be it, learn to build from the draft!

[beer batter]

Anyone catch the KFAN interview with this clown on Sid- I mean Chad Hartman's show? James felt like a whore the way the league played him, and Avery Johnson's game plan was to shut down James in game 7 - not Tracy McGrady. This guy is full of himself. He fits right in the mold of our other great signings like T-Hud. What is is that McHale loves so much about one year wonders?

On the bright side at least he didn't throw away another 1st round draft choice to get him.

[Dahitman44]

BB give ol' McNuts time -- he'll find away to throw away some more draft pics. Have faith.

I think he hates the Wolves.