WASHINGTON (AP) Minnesota Timberwolves center Michael Olowokandi had surgery on his right knee Friday and will miss six-to-eight weeks.

Olowokandi, who has already missed three games, was originally diagnosed with tendinitis. The surgery was performed by Dr. Richard Steadman in Vail, Colo.

The 7-foot Olowokandi signed with the Timberwolves as a free agent in July after five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, who took him with the first overall pick in the 1998 draft. Olowokandi was averaging 6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds in 15 games this season.

Olowokandi has not been placed on the injured list and Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders said the team would attempt to sign a free agent as a replacement.

``We're not getting many points from our center position,'' Saunders said. ``We won't trade _ we're not in a situation to trade.''