Wolves Updates 1/17 Part 2

Randy Foye won’t be on the road trip, but he will be at Target Center
continuing to go through drills as he aims to return to the floor
sometime in February…
 
 
 
The city of Minneapolis is looking for help from the state to pay off the $62 million it owes on the Target Center. City officials say keeping up with payments on the facility is hampering the city’s ability to pay for essential services such as public safety and road repair.
 
Also:
Minneapolis officials say the debt burden could be lighter with more
income from the Target Center. That’s because the city is part of a
three-way revenue-sharing agreement involving the Target Center’s main
tenant, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the building’s manager, AEG.
 
But lately, the Timberwolves haven’t been doing their part. On a recent
weekday night, the Timberwolves are on the court in the Target Center
in front of nearly 11,000 fans. This year, each game has pulled in
about 1,000 fewer people than last year.
 
Every time a fan buys a snack, beverage or over-sized novelty foam wolf
paw, the city gets a few pennies. City officials estimate that drooping
attendance means the city is missing $7,000 to $8,000 per game.
 
  
 
 
The 2007-08 season was lost for the Timberwolves weeks, if not months, ago, but Ratliff will now be able to fulfill his ultimate role for this team. His presence in the locker room is a steadying force and a lesson in professionalism. While teaching the young Wolves almost through osmosis, Ratliff will play out this evaluation year and suit up for another team in 2008-09. The cap room from his expiring contract will give Minnesota more choices than they are used to possessing. 
 
 
 
 
Chris Sheridan/ESPN includes Theo Ratliff on his list of the trade prospects among the "league’s best and its highest-paid players":
He makes the list not because of his talent, but because of his salary,
$11.6 million, which comes off the books after this season.
Also, we expect him to take a buyout in late February and then sign
with a team needing extra size — perhaps Boston or Phoenix — for the
postseason.
 
 
Jon Laging/Albert Lea Tribune on the Wolves.    
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