French center Joan Beringer, the 17th pick in the 2025 NBA draft, signed his rookie-scale contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, the team announced.
Beringer helped Cedevita Olimpija win the Slovenian Basketball Cup last season, averaging 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks on 64.4% shooting from the field. He scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 14 points and 10 rebounds on May 27.
He will make $4,201,080 next season, according to Spotrac.
The 6-foot-11 standout was highly touted entering the draft because of his versatility, athleticism and rim protection. He ranked second in the Adriatic League in blocked shots, thanks to his timing, instincts and 7-foot, 4 1/2-inch wingspan.
Before signing with Cedevita Olimpija, Beringer played for the Strasbourg Saint Joseph-Basket U17 team and the U18 and U21 teams for SIG Strasbourg. He is the first player from France to be drafted by the Timberwolves and the third overall selected with the 17th pick.
The 18-year-old has also represented France internationally at the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket. He averaged 9.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and one assist on 70.5% shooting from the field in seven games, helping France to a fifth-place finish in Finland.
Beringer will participate with the Timberwolves in the NBA Summer League, beginning Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans (3:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN2).