Wesley Johnson, from Syracuse University.

Speculation had built Tuesday and Wednesday that New Jersey would reverse course and select Johnson rather than Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors.

Now, not surprisingly, it looks like the Nets are coming back to their senses and will take Favors, who has more upside and trade value.

That puts Johnson back squarely in front of the Wolves, who, barring a change of heart or a terrific smokescreen, will take Johnson fourth overall and pass on Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins, who has the talent and the mean streak to become the best player in this draft but also has bust and headache potential.

David Kahn has maintained for days that the Wolves will stay at No. 4 but likely won't draft fourth, 16th and 23rd, as their picks are lined up now.

They'd like to package the 16th to move up several slots. I'd also expect them to hold onto Al Jefferson and see if his value increases after the fallout of the free-agency period in August or September.

The draft is just about seven hours away.

The live chat I'm doing on startribune.com at noon is about an hour. Go to the startribune.com home page and follow the link.

Howard Sinker from our staff will be hosting a draft-night live chat starting at 6:15 p.m.