The Wolves are exploring options of a sign-and-trade with Denver for free agent and former Timberwolves forward Corey Brewer, a source close to Brewer said Tuesday.

The Wolves are looking for a defensive-minded swingman as their next move after last week reaching contract agreements with offensive-minded Kevin Martin and Chase Budinger.

Brewer turned 27 in March and last season developed into an important role player on the Nuggets' 57-win team.

The Wolves still are trying to trade either guard J.J. Barea or Luke Ridnour to make salary-cap room for other moves.

Money is an issue in obtaining Brewer because without a sign-and-trade, the only slot the Wolves might have is that $2.6 million cap "room" exception and Brewer certainly is looking for more than that.

The source said the Wolves "would love" to obtain Brewer, but added the two sides are working on those salary-cap money issues.

The Wolves drafted Brewer seventh overall in 2007 and traded him to New York in 2011. The Knicks soon waived him and he signed with Dallas, with whom he was a little-used reserve during the Mavericks run to the 2011 NBA title.