The Timberwolves inevitably joined the NBA's developmental arms race Monday, when they agreed to purchase their own D-League team in Des Moines starting next season.
By buying the existing Iowa Energy, the Wolves position themselves alongside such teams as San Antonio, Houston and Oklahoma City that have wisely used a league started in 2001 with just eight teams to nurture their own young talent.
The Wolves will be the 18th team to own and operate their own team in a 22-team D-League that likely will have at least 25 teams by next season. The Energy, which plays in Des Moines' 17,000-seat Wells Fargo Arena, are currently owned and operated by the Memphis Grizzlies.