<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">With little money available and their key players under contract, the Wolves weren't going to be big players in the free-agent market. Instead, they have focused on re-signing their free agents. The Wolves took the first step in trying to repeat as Midwest Division champions when they agreed to a six-year deal with point guard Troy Hudson late Monday. The league's personnel moratorium ended late Tuesday, meaning teams can start signing players. Now that they've taken care of their sixth man next season, the Wolves are going to focus on guard Trenton Hassell. The Wolves have the midlevel exception, which will be $4.9 million, but it's unknown if they're going to offer him the full amount. Hassell, a second-round pick by the Chicago Bulls in 2001, has yet to receive a big contract in his career. Hassell said last week that fitting in with a team, playing on a winning team and money are important in signing a contract ? not necessarily in that order. The Wolves have some wiggle room with Hassell because they expect Wally Szczerbiak to be healthy this season. Hassell played his best when Szczerbiak was injured, but he began looking over his shoulder and losing playing time when Szczerbiak returned to the lineup. Denver and Seattle are teams reportedly interested in Hassell, the Wolves' best perimeter defender. Guard Fred Hoiberg should be the easiest player for the Wolves to re-sign. The Wolves also have a $1.5 million exception, and it is believed that will go toward signing another frontcourt player. Gary Trent and Oliver Miller, who played little late in the season, are not expected to return.</div> Registration Required
