Report: Timberwolves, Nemanja Bjelica agree to 3-year, $11.7-million deal
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly come to terms on a deal with Euroleague MVP Nemanja Bjelica.
Bjelica will sign a three-year, $11.7-million deal to play with the Timberwolves starting next season, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
"I am excited to announce that I intend to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves and fulfill my dream of playing in the NBA," Bjelica told Yahoo Sports on Monday.
"Thank you Flip Saunders and the rest of the organization for the confidence you have shown in me. I’m looking forward to joining the team and helping it become a contender."
The Timberwolves drafted the 27-year-old Bjelica with the 35th pick in the 2010 NBA draft. While playing overseas, Bjelica blossomed into one of the best talents in European competition, averaging 11.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 26 minutes per game as a member of Fenerbahce Ulker last season. He also lead his team to a Euroleague Final Four appearance and was named as the Euroleague MVP.
It's unclear as to how Bjelica will translate to the NBA, but he does have a sweet 3-point stroke and the ability attack the basket. He would presumably play as a stretch four to help the Timberwolves open up scant space on the interior for their young stars.