UPDATE: The Timberwolves officially announced on Sunday that Nikola Pekovic will miss the entire 2016-17 season because of recurring pain in his right ankle. "A determination about future seasons will be made at a later date," according to the press release.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic has played just 44 games the past two seasons due to injuries, most especially a foot problem that has plagued him. The news on Friday, hidden beneath Kevin Garnett's decision to retire, is not good for Pekovic, either. The AP reported that Pek will not play in 2016-17, which owner Glen Taylor confirmed on Saturday:

Taylor made mention of Pekovic conceivably playing for the team again, as he is under contract through 2018. However, the AP reports otherwise, that Pekovic's career is likely over.

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Nikola Pekovic will not play this season. USATSI

With Pekovic out, the Wolves maintain good depth in the frontcourt. Gorgui Dieng can play minutes to spell Karl-Anthony Towns, and the Wolves signed the surprisingly effective Cole Aldrich as a free agent. Pekovic was always a minus defender, despite being one of the most physically terrifying front-court players in the league, but his offensive production was still substantial enough to make him effective.

We'll see if Pekovic, 30, is able to get back on the floor at any point or if this will be it, and the Wolves elect to buy out the remainder of his contract for roughly $23 million.