"Backup center Nikola Pekovic is the first Timberwolves player to sign overseas during the lockout and don't be surprised a bit if Ricky Rubio does likewise.

According to European media reports, Pekovic did so with Partizan Belgrade in Serbia, agreeing to play there after he plays for his home country of Montenegro in the upcoming EuroBasket championship in Lithuania.

He has an opt-out clause that allows him to leave when a NBA labor agreement is reached.

Pekovic signed a three-year contract with the Wolves last summer."