Timberwolves Could Have Trouble Trading Nikola Pekovic

The Minnesota Timberwolves could trade center Nikola Pekovic to play Gorgui Dieng but they could have trouble finding a take before the NBA trade deadline

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After dealing Kevin Love to the

in a package that netted them the last two No. 1 overall picks, swingman Andrew Wiggins and forward Anthony Bennett, there is a clear youth movement in Minnesota.

Gorgui Dieng showed flashes as a rookie last season and was even named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for the month of March. Many believe the Timberwolve may shop Nikola Pekovic to fill a different need and give Gorgui Dieng the spot at center.

“This is especially true considering that Gorgui Dieng showed flashes of serious potential last season (on March 20, Dieng logged 22 points, 21 rebounds, 4 assists and made 10-of-11 from the free throw line and four days later, he registered 15 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and one block),” writes Jesse Blancarte of Basketball Insiders. “Dieng is a better rim protector than Pekovic, is less expensive, and is a better long-term fit for the Timberwolves, making Pekovic expendable.”

However, Blancarte isn’t sure if teams will be willing to deal for Nikola Pekovic.

“One thing that could prevent teams from pursuing Pekovic is the fact that he is under contract until the 2017-18 NBA season and has struggled with foot injuries in the past.”

He is still a very talented player and if he is available, he will probably draw plenty of interest. Teams will be less worried about his contract because of the new television deal.

Nikola Pekovic averaged 17.4 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 54.0% from the field and 74.7% from the free throw line. In his four-year career, he has averaged 13.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 53.5% from the floor and 74.7% from the charity stripe.

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