Over the last two seasons, Nikola Pekovic has gone from Darko Milicic's backup with the Minnesota Timberwolves to one of the biggest free agents on the market this summer. The 27-year-old center broke through to become a legitimate starter in the league during the 2011-12 lockout-shortened season and then followed it up with averages of 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds in 2012-13. Pekovic will be a free agent this summer and the Wolves will have the chance to match whatever offer sheet he signs. Thursday, the team announced they have extended a one-year qualifying offer to Pekovic, making him a restricted free agent this summer. From the Wolves: The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has extended a qualifying offer to Nikola Pekovic, making him a restricted free agent. Pekovic's ability to score in the post and carve out space in the paint for rebounds makes him an intriguing option on the free agency market this summer. Since coming over from Europe, he has dramatically improved every season during his three-year career. In his rookie season, he looked like he wouldn't last long in the
