NBA notes: Derrick Williams appreciates extra security from Wolves

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 rumors 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, it's 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 didn't 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. You're 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 doesn't mean Williams won't continue to see his name in the trade rumor mill. He's still adjusting to playing two positions and he admits he still has a lot to learn on both ends of the court.

Pierce, Garnett skipping Boston preseason game

Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett will wait until the regular season to play in Boston.

The two former Celtics will skip the Brooklyn Nets' preseason game in Boston on Wednesday, as expected. Pierce had said since the pair was acquired over the summer that he didn't want his first game back in Boston to be an exhibition.

Mavericks trim roster by four

The Dallas Mavericks have requested waivers on 7-foot center Fab Melo and three other players.

With Tuesday's moves, the Mavericks roster is at 16. Dallas also requested waivers on Renaldo Balkman, Devin Ebanks and D.J. Kennedy.