The Timberwolves have until the end of the month to exercise their team option on Joan Beringer’s 2027/28 contract. Whether or not that happens, it’s a pivotal season for the big man, who is being counted to back up Rudy Gobert, Sarah Todd of the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes.

“The platform is there and we need him to play,” coach Chris Finch said. “It could be 14 minutes a night, it could be 24 minutes a night, and that’ll be determined on how he’s playing. And we need to be good enough around him in those moments where he’s not having one of his better nights, so he can be confident, and he gives us energy and effort, at least as a baseline.”

Beringer has mentally prepared himself for the challenge. Beringer posted nine points and nine rebounds in 15 minutes against Orlando on Friday.

“I’m not afraid,” he said. “I love to learn, that’s why I’m not afraid to make mistakes. It’s how you grow. So, no, I’m not afraid at all.”

Here’s more from the Northwest Division:

• Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels signed a one-year, $40MM extension this week that will keep him under contract through the 2029/30 season. McDaniels expressed his love for the city to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski (Twitter link). “I just love the place I’m at. Love Minnesota, love the fans, the atmosphere, just everything,” he said. “Just being here for seven years already, it’s just a no-brainer adding another year. “
• The Trail Blazers have shown plenty of depth, particularly in the backcourt, and Damian Lillard and Ja Morant are buying into that approach, according to Jason Quick of The Athletic. “That’s the good thing about having this group,” said Morant, whose contract runs through next season. “Obviously, you know, minutes got to be spread out. But if we all are unselfish, ego-free and you know, just want the best way … there shouldn’t be no problems.” Lillard and Morant have bonded quickly and didn’t mind when pulled for better defenders in crunch time. “I think that’s what makes our team special, and what’s gonna make it continue to be special, is that we’ve got guys who can identify those moments and understand,” Lillard said.
• In a wide-ranging interview with Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, Jazz coach Will Hardy indicated the franchise has moved on from the rebuilding stage. “I’m excited because I think we have a really hungry team and I have really high expectations for them every day,” he said. “It’s hard for me to look off in the distance and say, ‘I expect this at the end of the year,’ but I do expect and demand a really high standard of our players each and every day. The hope is that those standards every day and that work every day will ultimately lead to some good results.”