Kyle Terada – USA Today Sports Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves have made it pretty clear from the start of 2013 NBA Free Agency that they were going to re-sign center Nikola Pekovic who became a restricted free-agent at the conclusion of last season. However, the two sides are still yet to reach a deal, which is somewhat surprising.
Though he missed 20 games because of injuries last year in his third NBA season, Pekovic really emerged as one of the better young centers in the league. In 62 games he averaged 16.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 31.6 minutes per game while shooting 52 percent from the floor. He showed a ton of development on the offensive end of the floor while remaining solid on the boards, though he still needs work on the defensive end of the floor.
According to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN, the Wolves have offered Pekovic a four-year, $48 million extension, which would be a big payday for Pekovic. However, Pek is reportedly hoping to land a deal somewhere in the range where he would make around $15 million per year.
As of right now it seems like this ordeal could last until training camp and the preseason for the Wolves and they will probably end up upping their offer slightly when all is said and done, even if they don’t reach the $15 million per year that Pekovic is currently looking for.
However, the Wolves have to bring him back. At just 27 years old and after only three years in the league, he’s developed into a quality center that really solidifies this Minnesota team. The deal getting done is somewhat of a formality, it’s just a matter of when at this point.
Cody Williams is a Senior Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20, add him on Google+ and like his Facebook page.
