Ex-Minnesota Timberwolves 1st Round Pick Leaves NBA to Play in Italy
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Ex-Minnesota Timberwolves 1st Round Pick Leaves NBA to Play in Italy
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 19: Wendell Moore Jr. #7 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the Chicago Bulls during a preseason game at the United Center on October 19, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Getty
Juan Paolo David·HEAVY
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3 min read
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Wendell Moore Jr. #14 of the Detroit Pistons in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 08, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) Getty
LaMelo Ball was acquired by the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason. Getty
TheMinnesota TimberwolvesselectedWendell MooreJr. 26th overall in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft. After four seasons in the league, Moore has taken his talents overseas in Italy.
In a press release on Tuesday, Virtus Bologna announced that they have signed Moore to a one-year contract.
"Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna SpA announces that it has reached a one-year agreement with Wendell Moore Jr.," the statement read.
"Virtus Bologna officially welcomes Wendell to the great black and white family."
Bologna are two-time EuroLeague champions, 17-time Italian League winners and eight-time Italian Cup holders.
Wendell Moore Jr.'s Career
Wendell Moore Jr.
GettyWendell Moore Jr. #14 of theDetroit Pistonsin action against theBrooklyn Netsat Barclays Center on January 08, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
A five-star recruit in high school, Wendell Moore Jr. played three seasons at Duke from 2019 to 2022. He entered the NBA draft in 2022 and was selected 26th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Moore primarily played for the Timberwolves' G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, in his two seasons in Minnesota. He only appeared in 54 games,averaging1.1 points and 0.6 rebounds in 4.2 minutes per game.
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The former Blue Devil was traded to the Detroit Pistons in the summer of 2024 as a salary-dumping move by the Timberwolves. He played 20 games for the Pistons,averaging3.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 10.9 minutes per game before getting waived.
Moore signed with theCharlotte Hornets,averaging5.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 16 games. He returned to the Pistons last season, playing six games andaveragingjust 1.6 points per game.
Minnesota Timberwolves This Offseason
LaMelo Ball
GettyLaMelo Ball#1 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the second half against theNew York Knicksat Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2026 in New York City.
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After coming up short against theSan Antonio Spursin the Western Conference semifinals, the Minnesota Timberwolves made a big trade this offseason.
Josh Greenalso arrived from the Hornets, andMouhamadou Gueyejoined from the Bulls. They addedTrey Lylesin free agency after spending last season at Real Madrid. He could serve as the starting power forward after the Timberwolves failed to signLeBron Jamesin free agency.
