The San Antonio Spurs finally succeeded in signing a premier free agent when they came to terms with Rasho Nesterovic of the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday.

Nesterovic agreed to a six-year, $42 million contract with the NBA champion Spurs, according to media reports.

Teams cannot sign free agents until Wednesday but Minnesota general manager Kevin McHale confirmed Nesterovic's departure in a statement.

"Though we were hopeful that Rasho would re-sign with our team, we have been preparing for this scenario," McHale said.

The Spurs had pursued Jason Kidd and Alonzo Mourning but both players signed with New Jersey. San Antonio still has about $8 million in salary cap room to chase other free agents.

Nesterovic is expected to replace the retired David Robinson in the starting lineup. He averaged 11.2 points and 6.5 rebounds last season, both career highs. 

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