Kevin Love wants Timberwolves to re-sign Nikola Pekovic

Mar. 1, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward (42) Kevin Love and center (14) Nikola Pekovic against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 104-95. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Part of Kevin Love’s criticism of the front office this past December was the fact that the Timberwolves had a roster overhaul nearly every season he’s been with the team.

In an interview with Zach Lowe of Grantland, Love stressed a desire of “familiarity” on the team, which includes teammate Nikola Pekovic returning next year. Here is what Love had to say when asked about the team re-signing Pekovic:

"Oh yeah. Pek is a guy … I don’t want to say he’s a recluse or a shut-in, but he’s the type of guy who, when he has something and he likes it, he kind of sticks with it. He likes being around this team, and he’s familiar with us. That’s the word I’m looking for — familiarity. When he’s familiar with something, he kind of sticks with it. I’m hoping we end up signing him. There aren’t a lot of true centers like him left in the league. He’s not gonna block shots like a DeAndre Jordan or a JaVale McGee, or run the floor really fast, or dunk every ball, but he’s the type of guy who’s going to fight and doesn’t really even care if he gets the ball. He’s a great locker-room guy and very humble. I hope he stays."

With the center position a hot commodity in this league, the 27-year-old Pekovic is expected to command a large raise in the offseason. As a restricted free agent, Minnesota has the right to match any offer sheet he signs.

A sign-and-trade remains a possibility in the offseason, especially for teams who are looking for a center and have limited cap space.