http://tinyurl.com/2qeebd Kevin McHale has a handshake deal with Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor to oversee the team's basketball operation and has been reluctant to say publicly how long he plans to continue in that capacity. Maybe he doesn't know. Taylor said Wednesday he expects McHale to continue but didn't know whether that includes next season. "He's never been on a leash," Taylor said. "I hope he stays. Nothing has changed between Kevin and I. You know we're very close." Will McHale return next season? "Let's wait and see," Taylor said. "These things (firing coach Dwane Casey on Tuesday) are tough on Kevin. This isn't something he likes to do." Casey's dismissal as Wolves coach was not solely McHale's decision. Taylor and others in the front office made the decision after a conference call, and Taylor approved it. Assistant Fred Hoiberg is being groomed for a top management position, possibly to succeed McHale. Casey's successor, Randy Wittman, already is signed beyond this season and probably for the ensuing two years. A new contract for him as head coach will be addressed later, but it's clear that Wittman will remain as head coach heading into the 2007-80 season. McHale is paid $1 million a year. Casey is owed nearly $3 million for this year and next year, but if he takes another NBA job, his compensation from the Wolves would be offset by his new salary. Casey, 49, said Wednesday he received numerous calls of support from coaches and general managers within the NBA, as well as a 10-minute message from Wolves star Kevin Garnett, who said he enjoyed playing for him and wished that it could have been longer. Casey said each of the Wolves players called him. Of Wittman, Casey said, "Randy will do a great job." Casey added, "I appreciate Glen and Kevin (McHale) giving me the opportunity to coach. I just wish I had more time. I wish them nothing but the best." The Wolves' attendance (15,945 a game average) after 20 games is slightly ahead of last season, and Taylor said that was not a factor in the decision to fire Casey. Taylor said he would be disappointed if the Wolves are not in the playoffs this season. Meanwhile, the Wolves continue to investigate deals before the Feb. 22 trade deadline, especially with the return soon of guard Rashad McCants. Guards Troy Hudson and Marko Jaric are expected to be dealt. Taylor said dismissing Casey was difficult. "It's hard to find anyone more likable than Dwane," he said. "The guy worked hard and did everything. But somehow, the results weren't there, and it's hard to sort out how well you like a person and then the results you get, and it's never clear whose fault it is entirely. "My expectations are that we should win more games than we have. We just can't have this thing where we play high for three quarters and then somehow lose the fourth quarter. That's my hope with a coaching change that we'll somehow get that addressed." --

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