"Corey Brewer returned home to Tennessee on Saturday night knowing his long limbs and energy will carry him toward his future with the Timberwolves, whatever that is.

One of last season's most promising players, Brewer now is just another athletic wing player on a team suddenly thick with them. That's one reason the Wolves decided not to offer a contract extension to him by Monday's deadline and instead will keep their options open until next summer, when Brewer will become a restricted free agent.

By then, the Wolves should know if Brewer is any closer to finding a dependable jump shot and perhaps if the league's labor situation with new rules might be clearer.

They'll also have a better idea how set they are on the wings with Michael Beasley, Wes Johnson, Martell Webster and Lazar Hayward.

"I was hoping," Brewer said about a contract extension, "but I knew it was unlikely, so it's not a big deal."

Asked if it changes how he feels about his future with the team, he said, "Don't make no difference. I can't think about it until the season's over. I've got to think about winning games. I hope we win some games. If we win some games, good things will happen.""