NBA notes: Timberwolves trade guard Telfair as Kahn heads to meet Rubio

On the same day that he left for Spain to discuss Ricky Rubio's buyout with DKV Joventut, Minnesota Timberwolves president David Kahn traded the only veteran point guard he has on his roster.

Was Kahn clearing room for Rubio by sending Sebastian Telfair and forwards Mark Madsen and Craig Smith to the Los Angeles Clippers for Quentin Richardson?

"This is not a precursor of any sort," Kahn said Monday from New York shortly before he was scheduled to hop a flight across the Atlantic. "We have no feel yet as to whether Ricky will be joining us."

Rubio has a multimillion-dollar buyout of his contract with Joventut that threatens to keep him in Spain for another season, or possibly two. Kahn hopes to lower the number — which could go as high as $6.6 million — to make it easier for the 18-year-old point guard to join the Timberwolves this season.

The deal, which was first reported by YahooSports.com, also ends Minnesota's glut at power forward. Smith was a capable scorer off the bench for the Wolves, but he had trouble getting consistent playing time behind Al Jefferson and Kevin Love. For the Clippers, Telfair is another play-making point guard behind Baron Davis. Smith can put points on the board quickly, while Madsen has shown the same hustle and chemistry in the locker room that he did when he played for the rival Lakers.

"We are really excited to add these three players to our team," Clippers general manager and coach Mike Dunleavy said. "This move really gives some much needed depth."

The Clippers thinned their ranks of big men by trading Randolph, leaving No. 1 draft pick Blake Griffin, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby and DeAndre Jordan to compete for playing time in the middle.

The deal gives the Clippers some options later, too. Madsen and Smith are in the final year of their contracts while Telfair has a player option for 2010-11 at a modest $2.7 million

NASH SIGNS EXTENSION: Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns have agreed on a two-year, $22 million contract extension, his agent says.

CAVS OFFER MOON CONTRACT: The Cleveland Cavaliers have confirmed their pursuit of restricted free agent forward Jamario Moon, who finished last season with Miami. The Heat have seven days to match Cleveland's contract offer to the 29-year-old Moon. The Cavs announced the offer on Monday but did not release terms. Miami, which may be pursuing free agent Lamar Odom and clearing out salary cap space for next summer, is not expected to match Cleveland's offer.