Wolves showing patience during free agency frenzy

On a day when deals came fast and furious in the NBA, the Timberwolves remained relatively silent.

In the first 24 hours of the free agent negotiating period, big-name and big-money deals were everywhere.

The Wolves? They remained interested in Miami forward Luol Deng. Tom Thibodeau, Wolves president of basketball operations and coach, talked with Deng's camp Friday.

But it appears the Wolves — like some other teams — are waiting to see how the market shakes out after a frenetic start. Also, Minnesota could be waiting to see what happens after high-profile players Kevin Durant and Al Horford make their decisions.

The Wolves reportedly kicked the tires on several other players, many on a tier below Deng's.

With at least a couple of exceptions.

The Wolves reportedly called on free-agent guard/forward Kent Bazemore and on veteran forward/center Pau Gasol. But Bazemore reached an agreement to stay with the Atlanta Hawks, reportedly for four years and $70 million. Gasol, meanwhile, is expected to be looking for a title-contending team.

Also on the list of players the Wolves have expressed interest in are former Wolves guard Randy Foye, reserve Brooklyn center Willie Reed, shooting guard Courtney Lee, former Hopkins and Gophers star forward Kris Humphries, guard Jamal Crawford, forward/center Brandon Bass and center Ian Mahinmi.

Most of those players would add depth and bench strength to the Wolves.