Terrell

Brandon

Brandon hasn’t played since February 2001, when he had surgery to repair fractured cartilage in his left knee.

In a trade for Brandon, the Wolves could receive a player or players from a club looking to dump salary. If Brandon retires, the team receiving him would gain salary cap space next February.

The NBA considers a player retired two years after he played his final game, which Brandon did on Feb. 4, 2002. If the league grants the Hawks’ request, Atlanta would avoid the luxury tax.

Due to knee troubles, Brandon unofficially retired prior to the start of the season.

Brandon’s career may be over, but he has a large expiring contract. Minnesota coach Flip Saunders, however, says he can’t see Pat Riley trading a quality player for someone who may never play again.

Brandon will be placed on the injured list later this month and stay there until his $11 million salary comes off the cap.

Brandon had missed most of the last three seasons with knee troubles. He finishes his career averaging 13.8 points and 6.1 assists in 724 games with Cleveland, Milwaukee and Minnesota.

Earlier this season, Brandon was reported to be leaning towards retirement. ''He said he’s feeling better than he has at any point since the surgery,’' McHale said. ''But it’s a matter of, can he get to the next level? Right now, he’s able to jog and do a lot of stuff like that. There’s a huge difference between that and playing NBA basketball.’'

By giving up Glenn Robinson to acquire future cap room, the Hawks are already writing off 2003-04. Brandon, who will retire, is scheduled to have his $11 million salary come off the cap in February.