While they have done more heavy lifting when it comes to new contracts for existing talent (both Naz Reid and Julius Randle got paid), they still must find a point guard to pair with Mike Conley. That didn’t happen during the NBA Draft, but they grabbed a pair of big (seriously, big) men.

With the 17th overall pick, Joan Beringer joined the Minnesota Timberwolves. He flashed during the Summer League, and is already being billed as a steal.

Joan Beringer drawing rave reviews early for MN Timberwolves

The 6’11” center from France heads to Minnesota at just 18 years old. Beringer showed how much of an impact he can make in the paint during Summer League action in Las Vegas. It’s hard not to envision him as Rudy Gobert’s eventual replacement. He earned high praise as one of the biggest draft steals in a recent piece from ESPN Draft Analyst Jeremy Woo.

“There was also excitement around Beringer, another defensive-oriented prospect who played well in Las Vegas. The 18-year-old French center has been playing basketball competitively for only four years, but he has demonstrated strong instincts as a shot blocker and lob catcher and played his way into the first round of the draft after entering last season as a lesser-known talent. Beringer drew late lottery interest but ended up falling to the Timberwolves after three centers — Derik Queen, Thomas Sorber and Yang — were selected in the four picks preceding him at No. 17. He’ll be an understudy to countryman and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert next season.”

Jeremy Woo – ESPN

Carter Bryant, taken by the San Antonio Spurs at 14th overall, earned one more vote (5) than Beringer (4). However, that is splitting hairs and the 20 anonymous scouts and executives polled certainly love the Timberwolves young talent.

To say that Beringer is a raw product would be putting it lightly. He’s still learning the game and has plenty of time to add muscle and acclimate at the next level. Gobert being on his team is a coup, and it’s certainly part of the equation that the Minnesota Timberwolves considered.

Joan Beringer relentless transition defense + perimeter defense + defensive rebound + outlet pass pic.twitter.com/8w5mVYQ078

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) July 15, 2025

I wouldn’t expect Chris Finch to quickly integrate Beringer into the rotation next season. He hasn’t done that for more polished rookies, and there’s no reason to rush the Frenchman. That said, opposing general managers look into the future and see something impressive as well.

“[Beringer] could turn out to be a top-five player in this draft. Upside is through the roof, and he doesn’t even know how to play yet. He is also in a perfect situation where he can learn and grow from all of their bigs.”

Anonymous Eastern Conference GM – ESPN

That absolutely hits the nail on the head. Beringer brings raw talent with physical attributes that are off the charts. He doesn’t need to immediately impact the game, and he has a perfect compliment of talent to learn from.

Related: MN Timberwolves Involved in Historically Large Trade

Not every pick is Anthony Edwards, and rarely do the MN Timberwolves seem to hit on mid-round talents. They leveraged plenty of the future when trading for Rudy Gobert. Their latest acquisition could make it all worth it though.

While Johnson was head coach, Minnesota failed to make any NCAA Tournaments, settling for one NIT appearance in 2023-24, the only season his Gophers finished with a winning record (19-15).

But you know what would’ve made Ben Johnson’s four years at the U of M even worse? If he wouldn’t have been able to convince Prior Lake’s Dawson Garcia to come home back in 2022, and stay for the rest of his collegiate career, despite continuous large NIL offers elsewhere.

Dawson Garcia signing with Detroit Pistons

Three years later, Dawson Garcia ranks near the top of most career University of Minnesota men’s basketball statistical categories (see below). And on Friday, according to Darren Wolfson (KSTP), the an undrafted Garcia found his next basketball home, agreeing to terms on a contract with the Detroit Pistons, where he will play NBA summer league ball next month.

Told Garcia agreed to a deal with Detroit. He had a good pre-draft workout and visit with the Pistons. All he needs is a chance and he’ll have that. #Gophers https://t.co/4S8fLxAqeN

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 27, 2025

Related: Total Minnesota Gophers MBB RevShare + NIL Budget Revealed for 2025-26

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball program has a relatively star-studded history, some of which has been deleted, due to the late-90s cheating scandal that the Gophers have yet to recover from, 25 years later.

But no matter how messy the Gopher MBB record books are, there’s no doubt Dawson Garcia will go down as one of the all-time greats to play in Dinkytown, even if the team results were never there.

Dawson stayed home for the next three seasons, despite NIL offers each offseason worth double what he was making in Minnesota. As a Golden Gopher, the 6’11” stretch big racked up 1557 points (17.5 PPG), 621 rebounds (7.0 RPG), 171 assists (1.9 APG), 65 steals and 32 blocks.

💥 31 PTS
💥 13-19 FG
💥 6 REB
💥 3 BLK

Dawson Garcia recorded his 5th straight 20+ point game in @GopherMBB's upset over No. 15 Oregon 😤#B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/UrspRhvAkt

— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) January 26, 2025

Where does Garcia belong in Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball history

Garcia ended his U of M career as one of the most decorated Gophers of all-time, finishing just outside the top 10 in points, behind guys like Quincy Lewis (1614), Kevin McHale (1704), Sam Jacobson (1709) and Nate Mason (1731).

He finished his career with the highest usage percentage of any Gopher, ever (though that stat leader category at sports-reference is incomplete prior to 2011), higher than Marcus Carr (26.5), Daniel Oturu (26.4) and Rick Rickert (25.5). Garcia also ranks second all time in U of M history in defensive rebounds, behind only Jordan Murphy (890).

After arriving on campus before the 2022-23 season, Garcia became the only constant on Ben Johnson’s roster for the next three years, until he was ultimately fired. He stayed, while everyone else left, taking multiple smaller NIL deals, to do so. For that alone, Dawson Garcia deserves a place in Gopher basketball fan hearts forever.

Now, we will find out if he has what it takes to make it in the league, something few Minnesota Gophers in modern history have done.

Prior to the start of tonight’s festivities, the successfully found a trade partner in the Phoenix Suns, who selected St. Joseph’s forward Rasheer Flemming and sent the No. 36 overall pick to the Wolves, along with two future 2nd rounders.

Australian center Rocco Zikarsky to MN Timberwolves

But Connelly wasn’t done. He then turned around and traded No. 36 to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for cash and the No. 45 overall pick. There, the Minnesota Timberwolves decided to make their second selection of the 2025 NBA Draft, picking 7’4″ Australian center, Rocco Zikarsky.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have selected Brisbane Bullets center Rocco Zikarsky with the No. 45 pick.

The Australian has tremendous size at 7-foot-4 with a 9’7 standing reach, giving him significant potential defensively. Only 18-years old. pic.twitter.com/yWLkTtmvVf

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025

Like Beringer, Zikarski is another international center who’s just 18 years old and has a lot of maturing to do on the basketball court. Nonetheless, his 7’4″, 257 lb frame (and 9’7″ standing reach) is truly insane, even for the NBA. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony broke down the pick for Minnesota.

Zikarsky didn’t have as productive a second season in the NBL as most scouts had hoped he would. Although he was a consistent factor on the offensive glass, he struggled to score efficiently, missing layups and struggling to make free throws, which hindered some of the optimism surrounding his floor-stretching potential.

His ability to effect shots with his exceptional length is appealing, but he is still evolving as a rim protector when he isn’t parked under the rim. Regardless, his size and youth make him an intriguing bet for a team that believes in its player development infrastructure, helping the game slow down for him while his frame continues to mature.

Jonathan Givony – ESPN

Related: ESPN Expert Crowns Wolves as 1st Round NBA Draft Winner

Given the decision to move back ten spots just for money, it’s clear the Minnesota Timberwolves are trying to save as much money as possible, as they butt up against the 2nd apron of the 2025-26 NBA luxury tax barrier.

Given his age, and raw development, it’s unlikely we see Rocco Zikarsky in a regular season Timberwolves uniform anytime soon. His deal is reportedly a two-way contract.

Rocco Zikarsky will be on a two-way contract with the Wolves, per source.

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) June 27, 2025

If Zikarsky can develop into the ultra-defender and rim-running finisher that the Minnesota Timberwolves envision he can be, this will be a ridiculous steal, looking back. Rudy Gobert is on contract for a few more years, but the pair of 18 year old big men figure to factor into the Wolves plans post-Gobert.

The Timberwolves will now turn to free agency and the trade market, where they are reportedly in search of a point guard, possibly Collin Sexton. Without a doubt, Chris Finch’s offense could use a floor general who’s just as big of a threat to score as he is run an offense or find open teammates.

On Thursday, there were LOUD rumblings that president Tim Connelly was open to moving the Wolves’ second round pick, which was the first pick of the new round (31st overall). Not only did Minnesota find a trade partner for their 31st pick, but Connelly had more up his sleeve too.

Phoenix Suns give Minnesota Timberwolves great value for No. 31

Ultimately, the Phoenix Suns came calling with the best deal on the table, trading the Timberwolves No. 36 overall, along with a pair of future second rounders, netting Connelly tremendous value for nothing more than moving back five spots.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are trading the first pick in tonight’s NBA draft — No. 31 — to the Phoenix Suns for No. 36 and two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. Suns continue rebuild by moving up to 31 and 41 in draft — send out 36, 52, 59 and two future seconds.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025

Related: ESPN Expert Crowns Wolves as 1st Round NBA Draft Winner

With the first pick in the second round, Phoenix took St. Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming, who most expected to go somewhere after pick 15 in round one. The trade allowed Minnesota additional ammunition, which Connelly turned around and traded again.

Lakers trade for MN Timberwolves 36th pick

It came down to the wire, with the Minnesota Timberwolves using up all of their time on the clock. But in the end, Connelly opted against picking at 36 as well, instead opting to trade the pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 45th pick and some straight cash homie.

The Lakers sent No. 45 and cash to the Timberwolves, sources said. https://t.co/g9zjPtCNSt

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2025

Los Angeles ended up taking Arkansas forward Adou Thiero at 45. His selection came just after March Madness star Johni Broome from Auburn. At No. 45, Minnesota finally made their second draft pick of the week, selecting Australian big man, Rocco Zikarski.

On its face, moving back 9 spots just for cash considerations seems like an odd move, especially after the Wolves got such great value in their first deal of the night. But when you realize how up against the 2nd apron of the luxury tax Minnesota is… the deal starts to make more sense.

It’s a selection they have been reportedly auctioning off to the highest bidder since last night and one they seemingly to have no plans of making. So let’s look beyond the draft, momentarily. What’s next for president of basketball operations Tim Connelly and the rest of the Timberwolves offseason?

Well, first on the offseason to-do list is a couple of their most important big men, Naz Reid and Julius Randle, who both have player options pending. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

If/when the Wolves extend Naz Reid, they will be right up against the 2nd apron of the luxury tax, which they cannot afford to be in for the second-straight season. That’s one reason why Minnesota is trying to deal Donte DiVincenzo and his $12 million salary this season.

Wolves trying to trade Donte DiVincenzo with interest in Collin Sexton…

In fact, on Thursday’s SKOR North scoops session (via the Flagrant Howls podcast), Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP) floated DiVincenzo repeatedly, as a player who could be moved at any point. What kind of return are the Wolves looking for while shopping their 28-year-old 3-and-D guard?

According to Wolfson, the Minnesota Timberwolves seem to have a growing interest in 26-year-old former No. 8 overall draft pick, Collin Sexton, a combo scoring guard who the Utah Jazz are reportedly shopping, after three seasons together.

“As we sit here on the morning of Thursday, June 26th, to me, [the Timberwolves] are running this thing back, for the most part, with a move on the margins. So, that could include DiVincenzo. To me, Nickeil Alexander-Walker still ends up elsewhere; a sign and trade makes a good amount of sense.

One way or another, Naz Reid is back. Julius Randle back. Now, that doesn’t mean at some point down the road, especially Randle, that he couldn’t be traded. But I’m just saying, I think for the most part, they are going to run this thing back.

But still, definite interest in finding a ball handler. You brought up the name Collin Sexton earlier, I’m told that there is interest in Collin Sexton. Now, the money is an expiring contract, but it’s what-$18ish million for next year? So, I don’t know exactly what the mechanics of a trade would look like.”

Darren Wolfson – Flagrant Howls (SKOR North)

From what Doogie is led to believe, the Timberwolves plan to mostly run it back next season. That includes an opt-in from Julius Randle and the aforementioned extension for Naz Reid. As has been the case for awhile now, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is probably on his way out.

Minnesota Timberwolves want to make “move on margins”

But it seems Tim Connelly is still looking to make what Wolfson describes as at least one “move on the margins”. If something like that gets done, whether it happens tonight, or later this summer; and whether it’s for Sexton or someone else… it’s probably time to say your goodbyes to Donte DiVincenzo.

In 2024-25, Collin Sexton — who is due $19 million dollars next season, on the final year of his deal — averaged 18.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists, across 63 games played and 61 starts.

Collin Sexton 25 PTS on 87 TS% vs the New York Knicks pic.twitter.com/PYtxAKfinf

— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) June 18, 2025

All of those numbers were near identical to his career averages (18.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.7 APG). The former Alabama standout actually increased his shooting percentages slightly, making 48% of his shots from the field and 40.6% from three-point range.

We already know the Wolves are shopping the No. 31 overall pick, in the hopes that they can land a future first round pick, in return. Many draft-savvy MN fans and NBA pundits consider Rashere Fleming too good to pass up, at 31. But the cost to move up in round one was higher than expected.

Minnesota Timberwolves 2nd round pick (No. 31) up for sale

And that puts the Timberwolves in an even more advantageous position during trade talks today/tonight. Which leads us to a Pat McAfee Show appearance early Thursday afternoon, from top NBA insider Shams Charania (ESPN).

It was there that Shams confirmed earlier speculation that the Timberwolves second round pick is indeed “up for auction”. The NBA Draft festivities are scheduled to resume tonight at 7 p.m. CDT.

"The first pick of the second round is currently being auctioned off to the highest bidder..

There's multiple offers coming in as we speak"@ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/9q76OW1kfF

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 26, 2025

“So the first pick of the 2nd round tonight, No. 31 Minnesota Timberwolves, I’m told that pick is actually currently in the process of being auctioned off to the highest bidder. There are multiple offers coming into the Timberwolves, multiple future assets, potentially.

So they’re going to continue to have those conversations. The draft is several hours away tonight. So that first pick tonight, likely seems to be there’s serious traction on a potential trade there.”

Shams Charania – Pat McAfee Show

Related: ESPN Expert Crowns Wolves as 1st Round NBA Draft Winner

If the Minnesota Timberwolves can get a lottery-protected future first round pick (which seems to be the expectation) in exchange for this year’s 2nd rounder, that is a no-brainer trade, given where the Wolves are at in their current organizational development cycle.

Instead, the Timberwolves ultimately stayed put, just outside the draft lottery, and selected French 7-footer, Joan Beringer. Minnesota hopes that fellow countryman Rudy Gobert can help ease Beringer’s transition to pro basketball in America.

The new 18-year-old big man just learned how to speak English recently, a language that reportedly took him only 7 months to figure out. Much like Rudy, Beringer is known for his shot-blocking and defensive abilities. He can also run and stretch the floor in a way Gobert cannot.

The 2025 NBA Draft is not over yet. This is the second-straight offseason that the NBA Draft has been split into two days and the Minnesota Timberwolves happen to hold the first overall selection in tonight’s second round, a pick GM Matt Lloyd thinks they will get future 1st round offers for throughout the day.

Joan Beringer draws glowing praise for Minnesota Timberwolves

But let’s stay focused on Minnesota’s 2025 first round pick, because the Timberwolves are receiving a lot of praise Thursday morning for the Joan Beringer selection. Most NBA Draft pundits see Beringer as a cinch NBA talent, once he gets a couple years to grow into his potential.

But one draft expert, Jeremy Woo (ESPN), even tagged the Wolves as Wednesday night’s biggest non-lottery winner, noting “it’s hard to find centers with his caliber of physical traits who can also run the floor and protect the rim”.

Joan Beringer to the Timberwolves at No. 17. I’m high on Beringer’s long-term outlook — it’s hard to find centers with his caliber of physical traits who can also run the floor and protect the rim. His age and relative inexperience leave a ton of room for him to improve.

Getting to develop behind another Frenchman in Rudy Gobert, who could be a valuable mentor as Beringer makes a major leap to the NBA level, could be an ideal situation to help him tap into his significant ability. This might take some time to pay off, but as Minnesota continues to try to build a winner with Anthony Edwards, landing a talent of this caliber and also addressing a long-term need could be a real coup.

Jeremy Woo – ESPN

At just 18 years old, Beringer is a late basketball bloomer, having only played the game for four years of his life, to this point. Last year, he played his first professional season, as a member of Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia).

Without a doubt, the Minnesota Timberwolves grabbed one of the biggest risers during the draft process and one of the highest-ceiling big man talents available in 2025.

Joan Beringer can be a MASSIVE addition to the Minnesota Timberwolves

Actually extremely excited

pic.twitter.com/To3yoVSClf

— Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) June 26, 2025

Related: Lore, A-Rod Re-Up on Threat to Privately Fund New Timberwolves Arena

It’s possible that a couple short years from now, Beringer develops into the perfect replacement for Rudy Gobert, except he won’t require the same trade haul that the MN Timberwolves sent to the Utah Jazz a few years ago.

The draft board appeared to be falling in the Minnesota Timberwolves favor for much of the first round. That was until the Khaman Maluach slide ended, and Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber — who the Wolves were connected to throughout the pre-draft process — went two picks earlier (15th) to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

But if the teenage Joan Beringer is their consolation prize, then the Timberwolves have to feel pretty good about how the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft went down. Now, it’s time to have another good night in round two.

Beringer is a raw talent, but he’s considered by most to have huge upside. After the draft, Wolves general manager Matt Lloyd confirmed that Joan will play on Minnesota’s summer league team next month, which likely means the 7-foot, 240 lb youngster will spend his first professional season in the USA as a member of the Iowa Wolves.

Related: ESPN Expert Crowns Wolves as 1st Round NBA Draft Winner

Of course, the NBA Draft is far from over, especially for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who hold the first overall pick in the second round, which begins Thursday evening at 7 p.m. CDT. So, what do you think Connelly and his front office are doing today, while they wait to go on the clock?

Minnesota Timberwolves trying to trade for future 1st round pick…?

They’re on the phones shopping No. 31 overall, of course, another thing GM Matt Lloyd confirmed late Wednesday night, in his post-draft interview. And what is Minnesota seeking in trade talks, you ask? Well, this is the second year that the NBA Draft has been a two-day event, and that could help increase offers.

Last year, it was the Toronto Raptors who held the first overall pick in the 2nd round. And according to what Minnesota’s GM has been told, the Raptors were taking calls this time last year on offers that included future 1st round picks, something Lloyd seemed excited about possibly happening for the Timberwolves today.

“We were just watching the end of [of the first round]. I’m sure [Tim Connelly] is upstairs right now talking to agents about what the assessment of the draft will be. But there are going to be good players there and I think teams will be [calling].

It’s the second year of the two-day draft. Someone told me last year that ‘Toronto was getting offered future first round picks, dada dadada’. So we’re going to have to kind of line that up and see what the offers are. We may just draft another guy so we just don’t know yet.”

Matt Lloyd – Minnesota Timberwolves GM

Related: Lore, A-Rod Re-Up on Threat to Privately Fund New Timberwolves Arena

Lloyd only confirmed what we already knew during his interview . There is no doubt Tim Connelly is dangling pick No. 31 to teams who might be salivating over 1st round talents who dropped into the 2nd round — guys like Maxime Raynaud (C – Stanford), Rasheer Fleming (F – St. Joe) and Beringer’s fellow Frenchman, Noah Penda.

Why trading No. 31 makes sense for Wolves

This is a great opportunity for a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves, who could probably use future first round draft pick far more than they do a 2nd round project. The Wolves have talented youngsters waiting in the wings at just about every position, up and down the organization, something Lloyd believes will reveal itself during Summer League play.

What the Timberwolves currently do not have, though, is a first round draft pick in 2027. On top of that, Minnesota’s 2026 1st round pick is almost guaranteed to be a late one, thanks to various pick swap scenarios that are impossible to fully understand.

This is the Wolves' 1st round pick swap scenario for next draft (via @RealGM). Any questions…….? 🤕 pic.twitter.com/AlYQkKJhGg

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 26, 2025

Thus, if the Minnesota Timberwolves can trade a future first round pick that isn’t protected by so much red tape that it doesn’t feel real, then I’d imagine Connelly jumps at the opportunity. Unless, of course, he sees one of the remaining talents as players the Wolves can’t pass up on. But those weren’t the vibes coming from their GM last night.

Either way, we will find out soon enough.

Although Tim Connelly dangled the 17th overall pick to the Phoenix Suns in a potential trade package for Kevin Durant, his attempts were thwarted. That left the team president in position to make a first round selection just days after Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore’s group took over as owners of the franchise.

Last season Connelly moved up in the draft to grab Rob Dillingham. He was reportedly eyeing that opportunity this time around as well, but it never came to fruition. Instead the MN Timberwolves stayed at 17 and grabbed center Joan Beringer.

Center Joan Beringer goes to Minnesota Timberwolves

You don’t have to imagine Rudy Gobert going anywhere, but he’s now going to be joined by another Frenchman at the center position. With the 17th overall pick, the MN Timberwolves took big man Joan Beringer.

With the 17th pick of the NBA Draft the @Timberwolves select Joan Beringer!

2025 #NBADraft presented by State Farm LIVE on ABC & ESPN!

— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 26, 2025

At 7’0″ Joan Beringer checks in near the same height as fellow Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert (7’1″). His ridiculous 7’4.5″ wingspan is why scorers fear him going to the hole.

The 18-year-old played 17 games for Cedevita Olimpija in the Euro Cup this season. As a youngster he averaged just 17.5 minutes per game but averaged 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. Across 30 games in the AdmiralBet League Beringer got 18.3 minutes per game and tallied 4.1 rebounds with 1.5 blocks.

Joan Beringer is raw, he’s toolsy, and he might just be the most intriguing defensive prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft class.

At 7’0” in shoes with a stupid 7’4.5” wingspan, Beringer swallows up space like a vacuum—fluid, long, and annoying to deal with on the perimeter. The… pic.twitter.com/8WCyzYzk2m

— NBA Draft Dude 🤙 (@CoreyTulaba) June 22, 2025

ESPN called Beringer the best rim protector in saying his “draft stock skyrocketed this season as scouts gradually made the trip to see him in Europe, as his excellent defensive abilities and shot-blocking chops at 18 years old were on display.”

Rudy Gobert’s contract extension kicks in this season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s set to earn $109.5 million over the next three years. After the 2026-27 season though, Gobert owns a player option. It’s obvious that Beringer could wind up being the replacement.

Both Beringer and Gobert having the same geographical background should serve the youngster well from an acclimation process. His addition to the Timberwolves rotation should also present Chris Finch an opportunity to utilize Naz Reid (assuming he signs an extension) in the forward role rather than playing center.

Report: Lore, A-Rod Re-Up on Threat to Privately Fund New Timberwolves Arena

Minnesota still needs some help on the playmaker and point guard front. If they want to push Anthony Edwards beyond the Western Conference Finals in 2025-26, then roster construction will continue to be a focal point the rest of the summer.

Expect more from Joan Beringer as MN Timberwolves time grows

Rudy Gobert has won a ridiculous four defensive player of the year awards. He’s among the best big men to ever step on the hardwood. He has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team eight times. Joan Beringer aspires to be even a shred of that.

The good news for him, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, is that the youngster has arrived in the perfect landing spot. He’s 18 years old and has been playing professionally for just a single season. He only began playing basketball at 14 and his ability to develop remains uncapped.

Joan Beringer is set up to potentially be the surprise lottery selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The 18-year-old French big with a near 7’5” wingspan is generating significant interest all the way into the top-10. pic.twitter.com/7ZaRYUqB5t

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 24, 2025

With someone he can lean on, from a similar background, the Timberwolves clearly knew what they were doing. Being around young teammates like Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and others there may not be a way to maximize his potential more.

There are going to be some growing pains, but it’s clear why Connelly and company liked this path forward. If things work out as planned, the Minnesota rotation is going to be that much more scary.

It’ll be the extremely “lucky” Dallas Mavericks who go on the clock with pick No. 1 at 7:00 p.m. CDT, tomorrow. They will draft Cooper Flag (Duke). From there, nobody really knows what will happen, but there is an expectation that there could be a lot of activity throughout the lottery, where the Wolves sit just outside of.

But will that remain the case all night? According to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP) Tuesday on the Flagrant Howls podcast (SKOR North), nobody knows the answer to that question.

But 36 hours out, Doogie believes it’s more likely the Timberwolves trade the No. 17 pick Wednesday night, than it is they wind up moving the first pick overall pick in the second round (No. 31 overall) on Thursday, a draft pick Minnesota currently owns, as well.

Minnesota Timberwolves open to another 1st round trade up in NBA Draft?

In fact, Wolfson read off a text to Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad that was sent to him on Monday, from a high-ranking league executive on a team picking “above the Wolves” that revealed Minnesota is not only open-minded to moving down the draft board Wednesday night… but they’re having talks to move up it too.

“Right now, I will tell you it’s more likely they keep 31 compared to 17. I will tell you, on pick 17… In fact, i’ll read it verbatim from a team picking above the Wolves what this person told me on Monday. “[The Timberwolves] are open to moving up or down in the first round.”

That’s the first time I had heard that they were open-minded to moving up. Now, [would I] bet on a scenario where they move up tomorrow night? Probably not, but this is a team that is above the Wolves, that tells me, ‘hey the Wolves have shown some interest in moving up’.”

Darren Wolfson – Flagrant Howls (SKOR North)

Related: Knicks Interviewing Timberwolves Assistant for Vacant Coaching Job

Because the Minnesota Timberwolves have been on the hunt for Kevin Durant, and other final pieces to what they believe is a championship roster, it’s a bit surprising to hear that Tim Connelly may be interested in moving up for another talented young piece, that might not be ready for a big role on this roster immediately.

Would Connelly really trade up… again?

With that being said, just about every big move this PoBO makes shocks the fanbase and most of the basketball world. Since arriving in Minneapolis, Connelly has pulled off blockbuster deals that sent a bevy of recently drafted players out of town for Rudy Gobert. More recently, he sent Karl-Anthony Towns packing for Julius Randle.

Even more relevant, however, was just last NBA Draft. Let’s not forget that Minnesota pulled off arguably the most shocking trade of that night, dealing away a future first round pick to the San Antonio Spurs, in exchange for No. 8 overall, Kentucky PG, Rob Dillingham.

Thus, the most surprising thing that could probably happen tomorrow night would be if Tim Connelly and the Minnesota Timberwolves stood pat and did nothing. Either way, we will have our keyboards ready for whatever does go down on draft night.