James reaches agreement with T-Wolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves and free-agent point guard Mike James have reached an agreement on a four-year deal, James’ agent told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

Bill Duffy said James, who is coming off a career year for the Toronto Raptors, will get the Timberwolves’ full midlevel exception, which is worth about $5 million in 2006-07.

The veteran averaged a career-high 20.3 points and 5.8 assists for the Raptors last year and instantly solidifies the Timberwolves’ shaky point guard situation.

James ranked fourth in the league in 3-point shooting (44 percent) and 11th in 3-pointers made (169).

Brown charge rejected

Prosecutors rejected a sexual assault claim against Los Angeles Lakers center Kwame Brown because of a lack of evidence. The allegation was made during the Lakers’ first-round Western Conference playoff series with Phoenix and had been under investigation since. Brown, who was not arrested, said at the time he was innocent.

Injured Redick will sit out

J.J. Redick, the 11th pick of the NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, said that he will notify USA Basketball that he will be unable to participate in workouts later this month because of lingering concerns over his injured back.

Redick was one of two college players – Adam Morrison is the other – picked to try out for Team USA.

Around the league

Police found marijuana in Carmelo Anthony’s car during a traffic stop, but the Denver Nuggets star wasn’t in the vehicle at the time, officers said. Anthony refused comment and team officials refused to comment. He is set to sign an $80 million, five-year contract extension today. … The NBA set its 2006-07 salary cap at $53.135 million, one day before teams were allowed to sign free agents and make trades. … The Detroit Pistons and Nazr Mohammed agreed to a five-year contract worth about $60 million.