Mo Williams will play on despite back pain

Wolves veteran guard Mo Williams returned relieved from a one-day visit back home to Dallas for a second opinion on his hurting back and an early birthday party.

Williams turns 32 today with peace of mind that his back pain that caused him to miss six consecutive games recently is deemed only muscular.

"Strains and spasms, something that's manageable," he said at shootaround before tonight's game at Boston. "This is my first time I ever hurt my back. The last thing I wanted was to go about it like it's muscular and then find out it's something serious. This is something that, at this point in my career, was a fear in me. I want to make sure I'm 100 percent."

Williams said he'll continue to navigate what he calls a "gray area" between resting his back and rehab work.

"I'll play through it," he said. "Obviously, rest would be great. But I want to play."

Besides peace of mind, Williams also got from his quick Dallas trip the chance to see his family and celebrate his birthday a day early.

Flip Saunders called Williams a "game-time decision" but he participated in shootaround this morning so I'm guessing he plays some.

Those trade rumors have percoloated again on ESPN.com and elsewhere in the last day or two. ESPN.com Marc Stein suggested the Wolves are nearing a deal with Houston. Last I heard this morning is that three or four teams -- the Rockets, Cavaliers, Clippers and Heat -- all continue to troll for Brewer.

I'm pretty sure Saunders has been seeking a first-round pick in return, which is why nothing has happened so far. The Rockets have New York's second-round pick -- a high second-round pick almost certainly -- they'd trade.

The Wolves could include Ronny Turiaf's expiring contract in any deal. The Rockets probably are willing to

We'll see if Flip holds out for what he wants. Brewer was at shootaround this morning, so at least check he's still here.

The Rockets also have young guards Isaiah Canaan and Troy Daniels and could include one of the two in a deal. New Orleans today waived point guard Gal Mekel, who would be another option as is D League guard Brady Heslip.