Minnesota Timberwolves: Darko's Amnesty Means Busier Offseason

On Thursday the Minnesota Timberwolves said bon voyage to one of its three European players from the 2011-2012 roster.

Hold back the tears folks, I know this is tough, but Darko Milicic is no longer a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The StarTribune’s Jerry Zgoda reported that the club used its amnesty clause on the former No. 2 overall pick, and his contract will not count against the salary cap. Milicic has two years left on a four-year $20 million contract he signed with the Timberwolves after the 2009-2010 season.

Milicic served as the primary defender of the rim for the Timberwolves last season but fell out of favor with head coach Rick Adelman near the end of it.

“He hasn't been as driven as you'd like so when a situation like this happens, it's time for someone to have their opportunity and get back in there,” Adelman said after a March 22 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

That’s been a big knock on Milicic since he entered the league in 2003. He’s been dubbed soft and lethargic. It's a style of play Adelman and the front office couldn't deal with anymore.

Milicic wasn’t the greatest defender of the rim, but he was better than anyone Minnesota had on its roster prior to the amnesty. He was the second-leading shot blocker last season at .86 per game, second to Anthony Randolph’s 1.03 per game.

Randolph wasn't offered a qualifying offer and will play for another team next season.

With those two gone, Minnesota needs to find interior help. It’s done its best to acquire help on the wing, signing Brandon Roy and Alexey Shved and working out a deal for Portland’s Nikolas Batum.

The team is in negotiations with former Boston Celtic and Wisconsin Badger Greg Stiemsma. Stiemsma has slimmed down since his days as a Badger but still stands 6’11” and weighs 260 pounds.

That deal is on hold until the Timberwolves finalize their workings with Batum and the Trail Blazers.

If Minnesota signs Stiemsma it clearly would be a move made to acquire post defense rather than any offensive productivity. Stiemsma was never known for his offensive game at Wisconsin and that has transferred over into the NBA.

But that’s fine. Minnesota has Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic to do the offensive damage inside.

Minnesota is also in talks with Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill, the No. 8 pick in the 2009 NBA draft. Hill is listed at 6’10” and 235 pounds and can provide toughness inside. He isn’t as strong of a shot-blocker as Stiemsma but can provide a little bit more offense.

So say goodbye to Milicic and hello to the unknown. With only Love and Pekovic standing 6’10” or taller expect the Timberwolves to stay active this summer to improve their interior defense.