What if Pek never plays again?

[Big O [enjin:13874644]]

Cap relief? Insurance? (not that I care Glen can cover it)

[Papalrep]

According to flip on Kfan this afternoon Pek is back in town July 1, so I guess we will know more soon

[SameOldNudityDrew]

I was not expecting this possibility at all. I'm excited about Towns, happy with Jones, intrigued by Bjelica, and hopeful for a healthy year as a team. But I wasn't expecting the possibility we'd lose Pek for good.

[Big O [enjin:13874644]]

I guess I was too cryptic in my question. If Pek or any player is forced to retire due to injury what relief is there for the team? I hope the surgery works and Pek returns, but what if it didn't?

[Carlos Danger]

I guess I was too cryptic in my question. If Pek or any player is forced to retire due to injury what relief is there for the team? I hope the surgery works and Pek returns, but what if it didn't?

I would assume there is insurance for Glen to recover any money owed to Pek. As far as the Wolves/Cap space goes - I have no idea. Obviously at a minimum it would create an open roster spot and unless they brought in another big (doubtful) everyone would just move up a spot in depth chart. Towns would probably be the starting Center if Pek's out. Dieng stays back up. KG/Payne would be 3rd options when not alternating at PF.

The real effect (in my mind) would be at PF because I still believe that's where Towns will be playing if Pek is playing this year. And obviously if Towns is at PF, we won't need all of Bennett, Payne, KG, Bjelica, Hummell. We'll see.

[60WinTim]

There are two items related to medical problems in the CBA...

First, there is a Disable Player Exception which can be used to acquire a replacement player. There are some restrictions on how it can be used, but you basically get 50% of the injured player's annual salary to go get somebody for remainder of the season.

Second, a team can apply for cap relief so the player's salary does not count towards the team's salary cap in future years.

So there are tools to handle players that can no longer play. As LST mentioned, Pek may very well be able to play, although Flip has indicated they would keep his minutes down. Pek off the bench seems like a good plan.