The Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed in principle to acquire the draft rights to the 45th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, center Rocco Zikarsky, from the Chicago Bulls in a trade that is expected to be finalized at a later date.
Zikarsky, 7-2, appeared in 20 games for the Brisbane Bullets of the Australian NBL this past season, averaging 4.7 points on 50.0% shooting, 3.5 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 12.2 minutes per game. The 18-year-old averaged 3.5 points, on 62.0% shooting, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 29 games for the Bullets during the 2023-24 season.
The Queensland, Australia, native attended the NBA Global Academy in Australia as part of the Next Stars Program prior to his time with the Brisbane Bullets. He is the second NBA Academy alumnus to be selected in this year’s draft, following Khaman Maluach (drafted 10th overall), and the 13th to be drafted or sign with an NBA team.
Zikarsky participated in the 2022 Basketball Without Borders Asia camp in Australia. This marks the sixth consecutive year that an Australian player was drafted.
(info courtesy of Timberwolves)
