Now that he’s back from four days in Spain that he termed “productive,” David Kahn is embarking upon his second — and presumably final — round of interviews for a coach to replace Kevin McHale, a decision that presumably could come by the end of the week.

Former NBA point guard Mark Jackson, Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis and Houston assistant Elston Turner on the short list — with Jackson and Rambis clearly the frontrunners — in a search in which Kahn appears to have interviewed more than a dozen candidates, including Wolves assistant Jerry Sichting.

League executives long have considered Jackson the favorite, but those in the know in the league think Rambis is getting strong consideration.

Right now, I’d make Jackson the slight favorite, if only because it might be easier to get him to sign on the dotted line in terms of years and salary on a contract.

Kahn returned from Spain Saturday and called his time there working for Ricky Rubio’s release from DKV Joventut “productive” but declined further comment.

In regards to Spanish reports that Rubio is close to signing with a Madrid team, he pointed out that Joventut officials denied the report and reminded that Rubio doesn’t sign anywhere until that buyout is settled.

It’ll be interesting to see if his coaching choice is related to the Rubio matter. If he can strike a deal soon with Joventut and sign Rubio, would it impact who can get as coach?

I expect, though, the coaching decision comes before Rubio’s situation is resolved. That still could drag on toward the end of summer. That could be decided in a few days or still take several more weeks. Who knows?

It’s also almost a month now into the free agency period, so you’d think the time is coming to pluck a player or two at bargain prices. Kahn has talked to Rodney Carney’s agent a couple of times and is interested, but at the right price, of course.

And he’s been a little busy with other matters as well.

UPDATE: The Wolves announced today they had traded Etan Thomas and two second-round picks to Oklahoma City for 6-6 guard Damien Wilkins and 5-11 point guard Chucky Atkins.

“We’re committed towards rebuilding our roster with an eye towards flexibility and long-term success, and this move better positions us for the summer,” said David Kahn, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations, in a statement. “I want to thank Etan for his professionalism and understanding, and wish him all the best moving forward.”

Thomas was acquired by the Wolves before this year’s draft in the Mike Miller-Randy Foye deal with the Washington Wizards.

Wilkins joins the Wolves after spending each of his five previous NBA seasons with the Thunder franchise, where he signed as a free agent after going undrafted in 2004. In 310 career games, Wilkins has averaged 7.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Atkins, a 10-year NBA veteran, went undrafted out of the University of South Florida before signing with Orlando in 1999. In 655 career games with Orlando, Detroit, Boston, L.A. Lakers, Washington, Memphis, Denver and Oklahoma City, Atkins has averaged 10.2 points and 3.5 assists per game.

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