Sources close to forward Juwan Howard say he likely will sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Detroit Free Press reported Sunday.

The former Michigan star supposedly would rather join the Lakers, but he's not their top priority. He also has shown interest in Orlando, with the Pistons a distant fourth.

Sam Cassell, just traded to Minnesota, is recruiting Howard. The Timberwolves are desperately trying to surround Kevin Garnett with enough talent to get out of the first round of the playoffs.

"I want to win," Howard told the Sporting News earlier this week. "That has always been my goal since Day One, since I stepped foot in the NBA. I have had an opportunity to win at all levels, college and high school. Now, I am in a position that I can make a decision to go anywhere I want to go, and I am excited about that."

Howard, 30, a nine-year veteran, averaged 18.4 points and 7.6 rebounds with the Denver Nuggets in 2002-03. He has averaged 17.9 points and 7.5 rebounds for his career.

"I do whatever teams want me to do," Howard told The Sporting News. "In Dallas, I was the fourth option and I accepted that role and we made it to the second round and won over 50 games. In Denver, they wanted me to be the go-to guy. I accepted and put up 19 points a game."