FRANCHISE NOTES

     Citing "burnout," Mavericks VP/Basketball Ops Keith Grant
resigned yesterday.  However, a source close to Grant said he had
become "disillusioned" by the team's new ownership and its "chain
of command that left him feeling powerless."  Grant began his
Mavericks career as the club's equipment manager in '80 (FT.
WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 10/18). ...Sports media consultant Andrea
Kirby met with the Timberwolves yesterday to "polish" their
interviewing skills and "improve relations" with reporters
(Minneapolis STAR-TRIBUNE, 10/18)....The Lakers, who sold out
only 16 games during '95-96, have already sold out eight games
for this season (Baltimore SUN, 10/18)....St. Paul, MN City
Council President Dave Thune has proposed a $1M limit on Mayor
Norm Coleman's effort to bring an NHL club to the city, unless
voters approve spending more money on the project (Minneapolis
STAR-TRIBUNE, 10/17).