The Timberwolves extended a qualifying offer to Nikola Pekovic, making him a restricted free agent.
The move, a formality, was expected. The Wolves can match any offer made to Pekovic as a result.
The 27-year-old center averaged 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season.
Pekovic was the team's 31st overall pick in the 2008 draft.