MINNEAPOLIS -- "The Kandy Man'' is headed to Minnesota, and the Timberwolves think they got a sweet deal.

	OIowokandi

Free-agent center Michael Olowokandi signed Wednesday with the Timberwolves, who officially lost center Rasho Nesterovic to San Antonio on the first day NBA free agents could formally sign with teams.

The 7-foot, 270-pound Olowokandi, the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1998 draft, was signed with Minnesota's mid-level salary cap exception for a three-year deal worth a reported $16.2 million.

Wolves coach Flip Saunders said it became increasingly clear last week that Nesterovic was leaving. On Tuesday, the day Nesterovic agreed to sign with the Spurs, vice president Kevin McHale called Olowokandi at 6 a.m. Pacific time. Then owner Glen Taylor called Olowokandi back to tell him they were flying out to see him and agent Bill Duffy in California.

"I was probably semiconscious talking with Kevin,'' Olowokandi said. "They said the three of them were flying out and that showed their seriousness about really doing something. I was very flattered.''

Saunders described their meetings as "emotional'' as Wolves management talked with Olowokandi about the negative perceptions surrounding him while playing for the Clippers.

Olowokandi's career in L.A. never took off, due in part to injuries, and he rankled Clippers management in April 2002 by criticizing its lack of commitment to the players.

"I don't think Michael really understood there was that perception out there,'' Saunders said. "I told Kevin, 'Are we trying to recruit him or scare him away?'''

He is an athletic, able defender and rebounder who averaged 9.9 points and 8.0 rebounds, and 1.63 blocks in his first five seasons. Last season he missed 44 games with knee and thigh injuries.

Olowokandi, tired of being with the go-nowhere Clippers, opted for a playoff team over potentially bigger paychecks.

"They're a playoff contender, and that's what you want to play,'' he said. "That's what determines if you're the best.''

The Clippers, meanwhile, stand to lose at least half their roster if they don't re-sign any of their free agents. Included among them are Andre Miller, Corey Maggette, Lamar Odom, Elton Brand, Sean Rooks and Eric Piatkowski.

Maggette has already reached agreement with the Utah Jazz on a six-year contract, and Miller has done the same with the Nuggets. Both are restricted free agents and they will now be in contractual limbo until Aug. 1, when the Clippers' 15-day window for matching the offer expires.

The arrival of Olowokandi to Minnesota means Ervin Johnson -- acquired along with Sam Cassell from Milwaukee for Joe Smith and Anthony Peeler -- will likely be the backup center. Saunders said he plans to keep forward/center Marc Jackson on the team, but he's had no contact with Loren Woods since the end of the season.

Saunders also said the Wolves aren't done dealing and remain optimistic they can trade injured guard Terrell Brandon, who could be attractive to some teams for salary cap reasons.

Minnesota still looking to acquire another perimeter player, and a power forward, and Saunders believes plenty of good players will be available after the first 48 hours of free agency.

"We feel we'll be able to get a good player when they drop down'' in salary, Saunders said. "We're still going to be pretty active.''