Former UNLV standout Marcus Banks, far left, and Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale look on during Minnesota's Vegas Summer League game against the Sacramento Kings. Banks, now a free agent, spent most of last season with Minnesota and hopes to re-sign with the team. Photo by K.M. Cannon.

Marcus Banks needs no reminding that the NBA is a business.

The former UNLV and Cimarron-Memorial High School star point guard knows it's not just about basketball at this level, having been traded on draft day in 2003, traded again in 2004 to the Los Angeles Lakers only to have the deal fall through, then getting shipped last January from Boston to Minnesota.

Banks, an unrestricted free agent, is eager to know where his future lies as negotiations continue between Banks and the Timberwolves. His agent, Mike Higgins, met with Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale on Banks' home turf Thursday.

"I want to get this over with," Banks said while watching the Timberwolves play Sacramento on Thursday in the Vegas Summer League at Cox Pavilion. "I'm ready to play basketball."

Higgins said his client has two offers from NBA teams but would not disclose who they are. However, he said Banks would prefer to re-sign with the Timberwolves. Banks is seeking a five-year deal, which if obtained at the mid-level exception would be worth close to $30 million.

"I'm shooting for (financial) security," Banks said. "The money definitely comes into play. But I trust Mike completely."

McHale and Banks chatted in the stands during the second half of the Timberwolves-Kings game, and McHale said he plans to meet with Banks today. McHale said he wants Banks to be part of the team's future.

"We want Marcus to come back," McHale said. "We like him, both as a player and a person, and we're hopeful he'll remain with us."

Higgins said he'll have a better idea by the weekend where Banks stands. Players can begin signing free-agent deals Wednesday.

"There's no rush," Higgins said. "If it's right, he'd like to remain with the Timberwolves. Minnesota's a good place. He likes the coach (Dwayne Casey) and the players, and he'd be very comfortable if he stayed there."

Banks said: "I've gotten a chance to play the way I know how in Minnesota. If I can stay there, that would be great. But this is a business and you've got to be patient."

* ARTEST A NO-SHOW -- One of the marquee draws of the Vegas Summer League didn't make it for opening day, as Ron Artest was absent from the Kings' lineup.

A Kings spokesman said Artest is expected to join the team for today's 8 p.m. game against New Orleans.

With Artest a no-show Thursday, other players got more playing time. Former UNLV forward Louis Amundson started and had 16 points and seven rebounds in 26 minutes.

"I was a little bit nervous, but I settled down and I felt like I was at home," said Amundson, a rookie free agent who signed with the Kings on June 29.

Sacramento cut former Rebel Odartey Blankson before arriving in Las Vegas.

* BARGNANI'S DEBUT -- Andrea Bargnani, the top pick in the NBA Draft, made an impressive debut for the Toronto Raptors, scoring 20 points in 30 minutes in a 93-85 win over Washington.

At least the first half was impressive.

The 7-foot, 250-pound forward from Italy scored 16 points in the opening half as the Raptors built a 52-39 lead. But Bargnani was shut down in the second half, with the Wizards denying him open shots.

Bargnani took just three shots in the second half.

"He did fine," Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo said. "You're talking about a kid who just played a full season (in Italy). He's come here and worked his tail off. He just needs to catch his breath at some point."