Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) and the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with AEG Facilities, announced today they have extended the Target Center naming rights partnership through 2014. The three-year extension allows the parties to gain a better understanding of the potential for future renovations to Target Center.  
 
“Target is pleased to continue our sponsorship of the Target Center and help provide our hometown with a facility where guests can experience exciting sports, entertainment and events,” said Shawn Gensch, vice president, marketing, Target. “Target Center is important to the vibrancy of downtown Minneapolis, and we look forward to carrying on our great relationship with the Timberwolves.”
 
Target has been the sole naming-rights holder of Target Center since the building opened in 1990.
 
“We are excited to extend our partnership with Target for the naming rights of Target Center,” said Timberwolves President Chris Wright. “This short-term extension allows both Target and the Timberwolves to fully understand the future renovation plan to Target Center. Target has been a tremendous partner for our franchise and this agreement demonstrates Target’s continued commitment to the building, downtown Minneapolis and the Timberwolves.”
 
The Target Center is managed by AEG Facilities and owned by the City of Minneapolis.

Former NBA players Rodney Buford and Eddie Robinson have signed with the Halifax Rainmen of a new Canadian League that begins play next month.

The 33-year-old Buford, a 6-foot-5 guard, played five seasons in the NBA with Miami, Philadelphia, Memphis, Sacramento and New Jersey. He also played in Greece, Israel, Ukraine and Germany.

Robinson, 35, spent a season with the Charlotte Hornets and three with the Chicago Bulls. He hasn’t played professionally since 2008.

Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman reports:

Despite the NBA lockout threatening to postpone the regularly-scheduled start of training camp, 10 of the Thunder’s projected 15-man roster got together for what became a voluntary minicamp.

It happened two weeks before camp is scheduled to start. It took place in Austin, Texas on the campus of the University of Texas. It lasted four days…

According to the Twitter account of forward Nick Collison, veteran guard Royal Ivey organized the meet up. Both Ivey and Kevin Durant are Texas alums who return to Austin to work out for stretches each summer. Together, they tag-teamed last week as hosts to their teammates.

Ivey, Durant and Collison were joined by James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Nazr Mohammed, Eric Maynor, Cole Aldrich, Daequan Cook and rookie Reggie Jackson.

Of the five who were absent, Serge Ibaka is competing overseas, Thabo Sefolosha resides in his native Switzerland in the offseason and Byron Mullens was busy, well, enjoying his newlywed status. Nate Robinson and Kendrick Perkins also were not in attendance.