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One of the reasons Williams could be on his way out in Minnesota is their new GM, Milt Newton, who likely will want to bring in his own players to start his regime: “Saunders will continue to have final say on all organizational issues with the Wolves. But Newton will help with scouting, salary cap management, trade talks and other personnel issues. Rob Babcock also is expected to receive a greater role in scouting and personnel decisions as Saunders works to install some infrastructure in the basketball operations department.”

“Milt possesses an extraordinary skill set that is a great fit for the Timberwolves organization,” NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement issued by the Wolves. “His exceptional work ethic and basketball acumen played a large role in the launch and success of the NBA Development League. I am extremely pleased for Milt and the Timberwolves who will no doubt benefit from the tremendous experience he brings to their front office.”

While it may be football season in America, it is still basketball season overseas. Here’s a look from Yahoo! Sports at who is having a good showing at the Basketball Euro’s: “Jonas Valanciunas had 11 points and 10 rebounds to lead Lithuania past Baltic neighbor Latvia 67-59 at the European basketball championship on Friday. The Toronto Raptors center and FIBA’s young player of the year helped Lithuania dominate the boards, 48-26, to earn its second victory. Also, France eased past winless Israel 82-63, with Alexis Ajinca scoring 13 points and Tony Parker adding 12 to improve to 2-1.”

One team that cannot wait for another shot next year, the Chicago Bulls. Joe Cowley tells us why: “Sure, the Bulls’ general manager is eager to see what Derrick Rose 2.0 looks like when the MVP point guard takes the court in full five-on-five scrimmages in less than a month, but it’s about the big picture for Forman on what could be a make-or-break season for his current roster. “[Rose] seems like he’s doing great, feels good, strong, he’s been in contact with us on a regular basis, so everything has been positive,’’ Forman said of Rose’s offseason. “I’m just anxious, like everyone is, not only to see [Rose], but see all of our guys together…”

“Obviously we’ve struggled some with injuries the last few years. I want to see this group get an opportunity to stay healthy and play together.

“Obviously we’re looking for Derrick to be out there [for Day 1 of camp],’’ Forman said. “Luol has . . . his weight back on and feels good, Jo is doing well, Kirk [Hinrich] has been in the building, and all indications are Carlos — we’ve been talking to him all the time — he says he feels good. His new training regimen, I mean, we saw him in Vegas [for Summer League] and he looked terrific.’’

Is there any chance Kevin Durant, under Jay-Z’s new management, leaves Oklahoma City in 2016: “With him changing to Jay Z as his representation, speculation has grown a little that in 2016 when Kevin Durant is an unrestricted free agent, he may bolt Oklahoma City for a bigger market. And during a Nike sponsored Tour de Durant in France, KD did a Q&A session with some fans and was asked right up front if he has any plans of leaving the Thunder.”

“I like where I’m at right now. I enjoy playing for OKC,” he said. “As of today, I love it there, man. I want to be there. I love the fans, I love my team, I love everything about the city. I don’t have any plans to move.”

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