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Motiejunas worked out with T-Wolves before signing with Pelicans

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves didn't act quickly enough in the Donatas Motiejunas sweepstakes.

The team hosted a workout and meetings with the power forward, but before it could make a decision, the New Orleans Pelicans beat them to the punch by signing the unrestricted free agent to a reported one-year deal worth the veteran's minimum.

"His agent cancelled and we never got a chance to sit down with him," Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau said ahead of Sunday's 95-89 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, as quoted by Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune.

The T-Wolves may have been interested in picking up Motiejunas to fill the void expected to be left by Nikola Pekovic, who's been sidelined for almost a year and recently admitted he may be too hurt to return.

Related: Timberwolves will reportedly seek medical retirement for Pekovic after Jan. 31

Following a drawn out contract stalemate with the Houston Rockets, the Brooklyn Nets signed Motiejunas to an offer sheet, which the Rockets matched before renouncing his rights shortly thereafter.

In addition to Minnesota, the 26-year-old Lithuanian reportedly worked out with the Los Angeles Lakers prior to agreeing to join the Pelicans.

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