Report: Timberwolves nearing 3-year deal with Euroleague MVP Bjelica
Minnesota Timberwolves fans are abuzz over the team's latest first-round picks, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Tyus Jones set to join an exciting young nucleus that also includes Andrew Wiggins, Ricky Rubio, Zach LaVine and co.
Little do they know a lesser known 2010 draft pick may be their team's biggest impact rookie next season.
According to Real GM's Shams Charania, the Timberwolves are in serious discussions with Euroleague MVP Nemanja Bjelica, with the sides expected to reach a three-year deal worth roughly $12 million as early as next week.
Charania added that the 27-year-old forward, selected 35th overall in 2010, is already drawing trade interest.
The 6-foot-10 Serbian averaged 11.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and a steal in 26 minutes per game this season for Fenerbahce Ulker, helping the Turkish club to the Euroleague Final Four and a top-three finish in domestic play.
Bjelica, who was part of the silver medal-winning Serbian team at last summer's FIBA Basketball World Cup, could certainly fill a reserve role immediately in Minnesota, although the T-Wolves would likely need to make room for him in a suddenly crowded frontcourt that already includes Towns, Nikola Pekovic, Gorgui Dieng, Anthony Bennett, and potentially Kevin Garnett.
Reports emerged earlier this week that Minnesota has already made Bennett available in trade talks.