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--> --> Saunders says no to Blazers, signs deal with T-Wolves MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders has agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $20 million, according to reports Tuesday. Saunders, who earlier Tuesday had been given permission by Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor to negotiate with Portland for their coaching vacancy, reportedly turned down a five-year, $30 million offer from the Trail Blazers. Saunders' current deal, which expires at the end of the 2001-02 season, was worth $2.5 million per season. Saunders is expected to sign the deal in the next few days, according to the Star Tribune and WCCO Radio. Timberwolves spokesman Kent Wipf would not confirm the contract extension Tuesday night. Saunders, who was unavailable Tuesday night, has led the Timberwolves to the playoffs in each of his five full seasons as head coach. The NBA suspended Taylor and vice president Kevin McHale in November after the Wolves were caught negotiating an illegal contract with Joe Smith. Through an agreement with the league, Taylor was allowed to tend to some team business, including Saunders' contract discussions. Taylor is scheduled to resume full duties with the team Sept. 1. McHale is set to return Aug. 1, but could come back sooner if the league moves up the free agent signing period to July 18. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing