Wolves notes: Miller's signing with Spurs shows team's youth movement

NEW ORLEANS – On the same day recently released Andre Miller cleared waivers intending to play for title contender San Antonio, the Timberwolves went forth Saturday committed to rookie Tyus Jones as their backup point guard the rest of this season.

While the aging Spurs get even older and wiser with the 39-year-old Miller, the young Wolves ensure they'll be even younger with 19-year-old Jones as Ricky Rubio's primary backup, especially now that interim head coach Sam Mitchell again is playing Zach LaVine at shooting guard.

"At this point where we are, it's about giving these guys the opportunity to grow and develop," Mitchell said before the Wolves beat the Pelicans 112-110. "We're never going to get where we need to go until these young guys learn how to play in certain situations."

Mitchell pointed to Monday's victory over Boston as an example. The Wolves made every possible mistake they could make in the final seconds of that game and still won.

"Those are just the mistakes young players make," Mitchell said. "That's how they get better."

Meanwhile, Miller goes to the five-time champion Spurs. The Wolves bought Miller out of his expiring contract Thursday, and he cleared waivers Saturday, allowing him to sign with any team he chooses.

Asked if letting Miller leave was the right thing to do, Mitchell said, "Absolutely. Andre has been great. He was great for me. I think he helped Ricky out a lot, and I think he has helped Zach and Tyus a lot. At this point of the season, he has a chance to sign with a great team like San Antonio that's going to have a chance to win a championship. I'm happy for Andre."

Miller's gone to San Antonio, but veteran Kevin Martin remained a Timberwolf Saturday, at least for now.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Martin talked with Wolves owner Glen Taylor on Friday about a contract buyout his representatives are negotiating. He must reach an agreement and be waived by 11 p.m. Tuesday if he intends to play for another team in the playoffs.

Martin has a player option for $7.4 million next season if he exercises it this summer.

Miller's exit cut the roster to 14 players, Martin's departure would make it 13. Injuries to big men Nemanja Bjelica, Kevin Garnett and Nikola Pekovic left the Wolves with 11 available players Saturday.

"I think we need one, if we do something," Mitchell said when asked if the Wolves will sign a player, particularly a big one, to replace Miller.

Jones on what he learned from Miller: "He taught me how to be a professional and a point guard in this league and how to carry myself and come to work every day. I can't really put it into words, but I learned a lot."