Minnesota Timberwolves

Wolves waive oft-injured center Pekovic

Published Jun. 20, 2017 5:28 p.m. ET

More than a year after his last appearance in a Minnesota Timberwolves uniform, veteran center Nikola Pekovic's $11.6 million cap hit is finally off the books.

Pekovic was waived by the Wolves on Tuesday after missing the entire 2016-17 season with a nagging ankle injury, four years after signing a five-year, $60 million contract with Minnesota.

Originally selected with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2008 draft, Pekovic spent two years with Greek club Panathinaikos Athens before joining the Wolves in 2010.

Pekovic emerged as the Wolves' starting center a few years later, before signing his current deal.

The first year of Pekovic's new contract was his most productive as a member of the Wolves.

He averaged 17.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, however, the deal also coincided with a rash of injuries that limited Pekovic to just 97 appearances from 2014-16.

Pekovic made 271 appearances for the Wolves in his six seasons with the team, averaging 12.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.