The 6-foot-2 former Rocket was Houston's top free agent target this offseason. It was expected that the Rockets and Mavericks were the top two contenders for his services, but Kevin Garnett and an extra year from the 'Wolves was enough to sway James.

The 6-foot-2 guard, who hit over 44% from long range last season with the Raptors, spoke on radio 790 in Houston, saying that the Rockets' reluctance to give an extra year in their offer and a trade kicker was what made his decision.

"Why Minnesota? I asked for the same deal from everyone," James told 790. "I asked for a player option for a fourth year and a trade kicker. Minnesota was the only team to comply with both."

So all that talk about desperately wanting to return to Houston? James addressed that as well.

"It was the same money from all the other teams," said James. "I would take the same money to go back to Houston. But the problem was, they didn't want to give me a player option after my third year."

The new Timberwolf had a message for the fans of Houston.

"I love them," said James. "They're the greatest fans in the world and they deserve a championship. I'm sorry. I really wanted to come back."

The Rockets? Their eggs were clearly in James' basket and everyone knows it. They won't be able to add a guard with the penetration and shooting skills of James this offseason via free agency, and they have very little in the way of trade assets.