Minnesota Timberwolves sign Nikola Pekovic to five year, $60 million dollar contract

Just yesterday, the Minnesota Timberwolves hinted that while contract discussions were ongoing (and positive) with big man Nikola Pekovic, they were not going to cave to his elevated salary demands.

Apparently, they caved. Well, sort of.

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the T’Wolves upped their original four year, $48 million dollar offer to five years, $60 million which was enough for Pekovic to sign on the dotted line:

"Wolves president Flip Saunders announced the deal via Twitter, which sources told ESPN.com is a five-year pact worth $60 million and potentially up to an additional $8 million in incentive-related bonuses.“Retaining Pek was our No. 1 priority this offseason, and we’re very excited that he’s chosen to continue his career in Minnesota,” Saunders said. “Thanks to a lot of hard work and determination, Pek has developed into one of the NBA’s premier centers and is entering the prime of his career. We envision Pek and Kevin Love being the ‘Bruise Brothers’ and forming one of the best frontcourts in the NBA for a long time to come.”"

It’s a pretty hefty deal, despite Pekovic’s talent.

All in all, the Wolves ended up dishing out an extra year, though, maintained the average $12 million dollar salary they were comfortable paying the Yugoslavian big man.

Pekovic finished last season averaging 16 points and nearly 9 rebounds.