LOS ANGELES — Kurt Rambis was seen boarding a plane Wednesday morning to meet again with Timberwolves officials, a strong sign the Lakers assistant coach will be hired to coach Minnesota.
Rambis has already had a second interview with the Timberwolves, and the only step left is to talk with team owner Glen Taylor, who has said publicly he would be the final part in the decision-making process.
Rambis would get the nod for the position over two other candidates — TV analyst Mark Jackson and Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner.
Rambis has had a busy summer. He was a finalist to be the head coach for the Kings and was also interviewed to fill the head coaching vacancy with the 76ers. Sacramento hired Paul Westphal and Philadelphia hired Eddie Jordan.
Rambis, 51, has been an assistant with the Lakers for 10 seasons and has filled in for coach Phil Jackson for medical reasons on a number of occasions.
Rambis would take over a Timberwolves team that finished 24-58 last season and fired Kevin McHale in June.
Roy set for extension
PORTLAND, Ore. — Brandon Roy has agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Trail Blazers.
The Blazers planned a news conference with Roy today to announce the deal, according to a report by Yahoo! Sports. The extension is expected to be worth between $78 million and $82 million.
Roy led the Blazers with 22.6 points and 5.1 assists per game last season, his third in the league. He was acquired from the Timberwolves in a draft-day trade for Randy Foye in 2006 and went on to win rookie of the year honors.
Pistons sign Daye
DETROIT — The Pistons signed first-round draft pick Austin Daye.
The forward from Gonzaga signed a two-year guaranteed contract and the team holds an option in each of the following two seasons.
Daye averaged 12.7 points and 6.8 rebounds as a sophomore for the Bulldogs. He is the son of former NBA player Darren Daye.
Rockets land Taylor
HOUSTON — The Rockets signed rookie guard Jermaine Taylor to a multiyear deal.
Taylor was drafted by Washington in the second round and Houston acquired his rights in exchange for cash. Taylor, the 32nd overall pick, scored 1,979 points at Central Florida.
Denver Post wire services
