Chart: Joining the pack?

NBA teams can begin making transactions Friday. Here are some players they could target -- they need veterans, defenders, shooting-guard help and an athletic starting center wouldn't hurt, either -- through trade, free-agent signing or through a "modified waiver" procedure included in the new labor deal:

Chuck Hayes, 6-6 center/forward, unrestricted free agent: The Wolves are one of six teams pursuing an undersized but gritty defender with long arms who played four seasons for Rick Adelman in Houston. The Rockets are the favorites to re-sign him, but don't discount the Adelman factor and the Wolves' need to add veterans.

Arron Afflalo, 6-5 shooting guard, restricted free agent: Strong, young (26) shooting guard who'd fill need for physical perimeter defenders. Denver can match any offer and with $20 million to spend just to reach the minimum league payroll, probably will. ESPN.com on Friday reported the Wolves are considering extending an offer sheet to Afflalo, who's also coveted by Chicago, the Lakers and New Jersey.

Brandon Roy, 6-6 shooting guard, Portland: The Wolves just might bid on the three-time All Star with deteriorating knees if the Blazers release him under the new labor deal's amnesty clause. Still just 27, he'd be a risk-reward gamble to fill needs for a ball-handling shooting guard and a veteran's presence. It'd also, in an ironic twist, bring him back to the franchise that drafted and immediately traded him.

Shane Battier: Unrestricted free agent probably will sign with a contender, but he'd be perfect fit in locker room and there's the Adelman connection from Houston.