Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has signed reigning Euroleague Most Valuable Player forward Nemanja Bjelica (nay-MON-yah, bee-ELL-leets-zah). Bjelica, originally acquired in a draft-day trade with the Washington Wizards in 2010, was selected with the 35th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Per team policy, terms of the contract was not disclosed.
Bjelica, a 6-10 forward, was named the Euroleague MVP this past season with Fenerbahce Ulker in Turkey, averaging 11.5 points and 8.2 rebounds in 63 combined games between Euroleague play and the Turkish Basketball League (TBL). The 27-year-old from Serbia shot 54.1% from the floor and 37.4% from three-point range, including 39.3% from long distance during the TBL season. Bjelica was named to the 2014-15 All-Euroleague First Team, and the 2014-15 Euroleague March MVP. Before joining Fenerbahce in 2013-14, Bjelica spent three seasons with the Spanish team Laboral Kutxa Vitoria.
A member of the Serbian National Team, Bjelica won silver medals at both the 2014 World Championship and 2009 European Championship. He also played with the team at the 2011 and 2013 European Championships.
He will wear No. 88 for the Wolves this season.