MINNEAPOLIS -- For a guy who was drafted second overall just three years ago, Derrick Williams has enjoyed precious little security in his short time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. His name has been the subject of trade rumours almost from the moment he was drafted, and he has spent his first two seasons in the league trying to get on the same page with Wolves coach Rick Adelman while grasping the complexities of learning two positions. So when he finally gets a little something to hold on to, its no surprise that Williams is appreciative. Timberwolves president Flip Saunders informed Williams on Tuesday morning that the team will pick up his contract option for next season, guaranteeing the $6.3 million on the deal. "I think everybody knows that if they didnt pick up my option I would have been unrestricted (free agent) and, basically, could have done whatever," Williams said after practice. "So it helps, the security. Youre guaranteed at least one more year in the NBA, you know? And, as long as you have that, I think everything is good." The decision by the Timberwolves doesnt mean Williams wont continue to see his name in the trade rumour mill. Hes still adjusting to playing two positions -- small forward in addition to his more natural power forward -- and he admits he still has a lot to learn on both ends of the court. "Its tough. Especially when, ever since Ive been here, Ive heard trade rumours," Williams said. "Really since I was picked. So it seems like every other day there is something new." But hes also just 22 years old, and Saunders sees him as a young asset that deserves the chance to continue to develop. Williams is the second-leading scorer for the Wolves in the preseason and has a chance to be the teams starting small forward while Chase Budinger recovers from a knee injury. Adelman said he has been pleased with how hard Williams has been working, which appears to be progress for a coach who hasnt always been happy with the youngsters effort. "I think hes played very hard," Adelman said. "He rebounded the ball very well the other night (against Boston) and its a process for him. Its kind of a disadvantage when he has to play two spots because youre jumping back and forth. Right now thats what we have to do." Williams averaged 15.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and shot 34 per cent from 3-point range over the final 33 games of the season while filling in at power forward for the injured Kevin Love. But with Love back this season, Williams will have to be able to play small forward to get significant minutes. He feels more confident this year than he ever has, so much so that he thinks he should be starting on opening night against Orlando on Oct. 30. "I think I deserve to be," Williams said. "Thats why they drafted me here. They didnt draft me to come off the bench, things like that. Ultimately, its up to Coach. Im just here to play basketball." Cheap Lions Jerseys .J. -- Pitcher Carl Pavano is retiring after 14 major league seasons. Wholesale Lions Jerseys . "Im not even that added up," the 39-year-old Australian replied. And to the Hall of Famers surprise, when all the math was done Sunday in the JTBC Founders Cup, she was the one posing for pictures with the big trophy. http://www.cheaplionsjerseyselite.com/ . Andrew Luck couldnt believe his ears. Colts fans couldnt believe the scoreboard, and the Kansas City Chiefs couldnt believe their incredibly bad luck.TORONTO -- The Canadian Football League has imposed its maximum fine on Montreal Alouettes linebacker Kyries Hebert following an illegal and extremely dangerous tackle while trying to dislodge the football from his opponent. Hebert was penalized on the play and ejected from the game. "We are committed to fostering a culture of health and safety in all we do as a league, including the standards we set through player discipline," said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League. A hearing took place earlier today that included Hebert, representation from Canadian Football League Players Association (CFLPA), and representation from the CFL including Cohon. Following the hearing and after reviewing the play on vvideo from every available angle, the Commissioner has decided to impose the highest fine allowed under its collective bargaining agreement with the CFLPA, the equivalent of half of a players game cheque.dddddddddddd The CFL also announced today the following discipline arising out of Week One of play: Edmonton Eskimo Thaddeus Coleman has been fined for hitting an opponent (with his arm) in the back of the head. Calgary Stampeder Corey Mace has been fined for delivering a punch. Saskatchewan Roughrider Rob Bagg has been fined for delivering a punch. Hamilton Tiger-Cat Craig Butler has been fined for using his helmet to deliver a blow to an opponents helmet. As per league policy, fine amounts are not disclosed. ' ' '