Flip Saunders has continued to state his confidence in the Minnesota Timberwolves' ability to re-sign Nikola Pekovic -- now positive a deal should be done before training camp.

“We’re moving in a positive direction,” Saunders said. “I still believe he wants to be here. I believe we are the best situation for him. He has had some success here. Success is not guaranteed in this league.

"I’m confident we’ll have a meeting of the minds.”

Pekovic will not play for his home country of Montenegro in next month’s European championship because of the risk of injury until he signs an NBA contract that is expected to guarantee him $48 million or more with the Timberwolves.