HoopsHype.com Rumors

Nikola Pekovic: "I hope to play at the Eurobasket, but it's going to depend on a lot of factors. First of all, I have to take care of my situation in America." Kosarka 24

Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Pekovic, Montenegro, Eurobasket 

Jerry Zgoda: Pek on what he's caught ice fishing so far: "I catch a few Northern pikes, porch, perch, how you say?" Twitter @JerryZgoda

Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Pekovic 

The 6-foot-11, 281-pound center from Montenegro can become a restricted free agent after the season, but he said he definitely wants to remain in Minnesota. "I like everything about Minnesota," Pekovic said. "First of all, I like the team. I think we can do a lot when we're healthy. I like the coaching staff." St. Paul Pioneer Press

Minnesota Timberwolves, Free Agency, Nikola Pekovic 

The Timberwolves have lost 13 of their past 15 games, but not because of Nikola Pekovic, who in the team's loss to San Antonio on Wednesday night, Feb. 7, had his eighth 20-point, 10-rebound game of the season. The 6-foot-11, 281-pound center from Montenegro can become a restricted free agent after the season, but he said he definitely wants to remain in Minnesota. "I like everything about Minnesota," Pekovic said. "First of all, I like the team. I think we can do a lot when we're healthy. I like the coaching staff." St. Paul Pioneer Press

Minnesota Timberwolves, Free Agency, Nikola Pekovic 

BallinEurope would really appreciate it if a native speaker of Japanese could translate the below piece on Nikola Pekovic and the Minnesota Timberwolves which recently ran in the periodical Dunk Shot – but it’s already a great big hunk of awesome. Check out the manga versions of Peks, sharp-angled Andrei Kirilenko, Alexey “Tiny” Shved and the doe-eyed Ricky Rubio (What? No Mickael Gelabale?) doing some kind of super task forcey thing and … is that Bill Walton there in panel four? Ball In Europe

Minnesota Timberwolves, Ricky Rubio, Nikola Pekovic, Andrei Kirilenko, Bill Walton 

The Trail Blazers have been rumored to having interest in the third-year center for some time and Pekovic has heard those same rumors and considers it a compliment. “That's really nice when you hear that other teams like Portland really want to bring you in,” Pekovic told CSNNW.com. “That means that I'm doing a good job and they like what I'm doing. That's something nice.” CSNNW.com

Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Trade, Nikola Pekovic 

At 6-11, 290 pounds, Pekovic would be the perfect frontcourt mate to two-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge and rising stud Nicolas Batum. Pekovic says “If people are talking about me playing along side players like that, that's really nice to hear.” CSNNW.com

Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Trade, Nikola Pekovic 

I continue to hear there's a split opinion internally about whether Pekovic is worth $12 million a year long-term beginning this summer, when he'll be a restricted free agent. League sources remain confident that, if a Pekovic trade comes, there's a better chance it's this summer in a sign-and-trade. 1500 ESPN

Minnesota Timberwolves, Free Agency, Trade, Nikola Pekovic 

“More than ever, I have different cultures around me,” (Roy) said referring to himself, Dante Cunningham and Derrick Williams being the only full-time players on the roster who are black. “I'm used to playing on a team with all black guys so things were always pretty similar in the locker room. But now I'm in the locker room joking with Pek (Nikola Pekovic) in the weight room and he's playing Serbian music and I'm like, 'Dude, turn this off.' So me and him over there compromising over that kind of stuff. I'm like, 'Look, you get the first 20 minutes and I'll get the last 20 minutes,'” Roy said, laughing. CSNNW.com

Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Pekovic, Brandon Roy 

The Wolves have indicated to center Nikola Pekovic they have no intention of shopping him. But as someone close to Pekovic said, "What does that really mean?" For what it's worth, I'm told Pekovic wants to stay with the Wolves long-term. 1500 ESPN

Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Pekovic 

Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic will miss the next seven to 10 days because of badly bruised right quadriceps. Pekovic was injured in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night after a collision with Blake Griffin. Pekovic did not practice on Friday and Timberwolves president David Kahn says he will miss at least a week. Greenwich Time

Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Pekovic, Injuries 

The Wolves are still figuring out if Memphis' Rudy Gay makes sense. They turned down an offer last week that was said to be a no-brainer call. That doesn't mean though that they've completely ruled out trying to get Gay. The source said if a trade for Gay comes, expect center Nikola Pekovic to go out, likely in a three-team deal. The Wolves won't have Gay and Pekovic together, fearing the salary ramifications starting next year. 1500 ESPN

Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Trade, Rudy Gay, Nikola Pekovic 

Joan Nielsen: Assistant coach Bill Bayno has ice taped to his back after practicing with the team Wednesday. Pek: "You turned into a turtle!" Twitter @JoanNiesen

Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Pekovic, Bill Bayno 

His pregame and practice chats can be informal rap sessions on a wide range of topics. On Tuesday, Howard declared which NBA player should join the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). "There's one guy in the NBA right now who could be probably the best MMA fighter in the world . . . [Nikola] Pekovic from Minnesota," Howard said. "I swear. I swear he looks like he could be a great MMA fighter." "Based on his body, I'm telling. He could go to MMA and be the champion," continued Howard. "Have you seen Pekovic? He's 7 feet. He's 300 pounds." Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dwight Howard, Nikola Pekovic 

So, this is Kahn's chance to land a player he has long coveted. But according to a league source, he turned down a trade proposal from Memphis for Gay recently. In fact, the source insists Kahn said no immediately. It's unknown what Memphis' idea was, but since it was turned down emphatically, logic suggests it involved All-Star Kevin Love and/or center Nikola Pekovic. It's possible three- or four-team trade scenarios were discussed, too. 1500ESPN.com

Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Trade, Rudy Gay, Nikola Pekovic, Kevin Love 

Adelman stayed in Minnesota to be with his wife, Mary Kay, who has been hospitalized, while the team started a four-game trip. He did not join the Wolves on an off-day on Thursday in New Orleans but could do so on Friday and coach that night's game against the Hornets. "Everybody knows it's tough without coach," center Nikola Pekovic said. "But the assistants do a great job planning the game. Of course we want him back, but we'll be fine without him." Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Minnesota Timberwolves, Coaching, Nikola Pekovic, Rick Adelman 

Ray Richardson: Just saw security guard at OKC arena escort Pekovic to team bus. Last guy in league who needs a security escort is Pek. Tough guy for real! Twitter @Twolvesnow

Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Pekovic 

One team official scoffed at the notion that center Nikola Pekovic, who is a restricted free agent this summer, could command $12 million/year on the open market. I do, too, but big men are constantly in demand, and the Blazers, in desperate need of one, will have cap space. If Pekovic doesn't get $12 million a year, the hunch is he'll come close. That makes me wonder, if Kahn can find the right replacement, whether he'll pull the trigger. 1500ESPN.com

Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Free Agency, Nikola Pekovic 

Wolves center Nikola Pekovic celebrated his 27th birthday on Thursday, but didn't any of his teammates bring him a cake? "No, no," he said, wiping his eyes and pretending to sob. Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Pekovic 

Kahn said that he has not spoken to Pekovic or Williams about the rumors, his explanation being that it would be unfair to them and that "part of life in the NBA is someday you may be traded." Fox Sports North

Minnesota Timberwolves, Trade, Nikola Pekovic, Derrick Williams