Latest news with #Gobert
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers Trade Proposal Lands $109 Million NBA Star From Timberwolves
Lakers Trade Proposal Lands $109 Million NBA Star From Timberwolves originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Exciting times are ahead for the Los Angeles Lakers. When the 2025-26 season starts, they will have a full season with Luka Doncic and LeBron James. On paper, they have a solid chance of being in the conversation with the other contenders in the West. Advertisement However, the Lakers need to address their big man problem. The Minnesota Timberwolves constantly picked on that during their first-round series, which led to a gentleman's sweep. The Lakers can't sweep it under the rug, and the one team that could help them with this issue is, in fact, the Timberwolves. Minnesota will try to get under the NBA's second tax apron while maintaining their status as a contender in the Western Conference. The Lakers would make sense as a trade partner in that regard. Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27)Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images ClutchPoints' Bailey Bassett proposed a trade to solve their big man problem, but it would come at a significant cost. He outlined a deal that sends Rudy Gobert to LA in exchange for Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber. Advertisement "Gobert is still an elite defensive player," Bassett wrote. "The four-time Defensive Player of the Year is still one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. Ultimately, the Lakers just need a big body who can take up space down low and collect rebounds." Gobert is entering the first year of his three-year, $109 million contract extension (via Spotrac). At 32 years old, he averaged 12 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting nearly 67% from the field. Those are some of the lowest he's averaged in years. However, he's still a quality center that the Lakers could use. Related: Cooper Flagg, Lakers News Turns Heads After Monday's Announcement Related: Lakers Make Big Warriors Announcement on Monday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rudy Gobert's Honesty About Playing Against OKC's Defense
The Oklahoma City Thunder deserve their place as the NBA's current best team. They have a potent offense and a historically superb defense. After winning Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals 114-88, the spotlight was on their defense. The Minnesota Timberwolves are often tough to defend because they have a strong cast of players. However, that was not the case in Game 1 because they played against a suffocating Thunder defense that held them to 88 points. Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images While the Thunder get the plaudits for being a defensive titan, the Timberwolves are also superb on defense. A big part of that is Rudy Gobert, who is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. Advertisement He knows what it takes to be a top defensive team, so he acknowledges the Thunder's strengths. However, he also recognizes that the Timberwolves can do better in Game 2 after a disappointing Game 1. Related: Jaden McDaniels Sends Clear Message on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Foul Calls Gobert On What Makes The Thunder A Tough Matchup The regular season showed the Timberwolves are ready to play against the Thunder. They split the season series 2-2, so they came into this series with a good amount of confidence. Of course, the Thunder became more battle-tested in the 2025 postseason, beating the Nikola Jokic-led Denver Nuggets in seven games. With that experience, they are a tougher team, which caught the Timberwolves off guard. After the blowout loss to the Thunder, the Timberwolves are prepared for Game 2 and the series. Gobert identified defense as their biggest strength as he analyzed their opponents' defense. Advertisement "They're relentless. We knew that. They're grabbing, fouling. We know that we're not going to get all those calls," Gobert said about the Thunder. "Just gotta play through that consistently. Not let a missed call or missing shots or these things disrupt us." The Timberwolves Will Be Prepared For The Thunder Getting blown out should motivate any team for their next game. Coach Chris Finch, superstar Anthony Edwards, and the rest of the team should be ready. That was a tough result, so they want to come back and tie the series. Gobert knows he must improve his performance, especially with his defense. He is a top-tier defender for this generation, so he wants to showcase that against the Thunder. The rest of the Timberwolves are ready to showcase what they could not in Game 1. Anthony Edwards had a rough night, scoring only 18 points, so he wants to bounce back. Advertisement The bench players also need to bounce back, especially when Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker shot a combined 7-of-36 from the field. With this motivation, Gobert and the rest of the Timberwolves are ready. Related: Anthony Edwards Sends Clear Message To The OKC Thunder's Elite Defense
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ranking 3 best Rudy Gobert trade destinations if Timberwolves go nuclear
The post Ranking 3 best Rudy Gobert trade destinations if Timberwolves go nuclear appeared first on ClutchPoints. Rudy Gobert's performance in the Western Conference Final has received criticism from the majority of Minnesota Timberwolves fans. As a result, some of the fans are suggesting finding a suitable trade destination for the tall Frenchman. There is no doubt that the 32-year-old shotblocker still has some gas left in the tank, and the final few years before he calls it quits. Advertisement There is no denying that his output on both ends of the court has declined over the past few years. Nevertheless, irrespective of the numbers, he remains one of the experienced players on the team and a leader on the court. Gobert's offensive output was not the only issue in the Timberwolves loss to the Thunder; the whole team as a unit struggled to put up numbers on the board. Gobert has always been a below-average offensive player for his career. His lack of offensive skills, poor ball handling in the paint, and touch around the rim are all the problems that have haunted him throughout his career. His impact at the offensive end is worrying, and it might not come as a surprise if the Timberwolves decide to let him go. Rudy Gobert's underwhelming performance in the West Final In the 2025 Western Conference Final against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Gobert impressed with his defensive numbers and acted as a defensive anchor for the team in a losing effort. Across the five-game series, Gobert averaged 10 points, 11 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game. Advertisement Although the Timberwolves ultimately lost the series, Gobert's numbers were marked by consistency, efficiency, and a reliable interior presence. If he could have just imposed himself strongly in the paint and motivated players around him who were beaten down and inferior to the Thunder players, the story might have been different. On the defensive end of the court, Gobert averaged nearly two blocks per game and was a dominant presence at certain times. However, Chet Holmgren was dominating the field both in terms of offense and defense, which no Timberwolves player was able to contain. He was rushing to the glass, won a majority of the second balls, and blew away the defence of the Timberwolves, who looked tired and beat down in the final game of the series. Gobert's presence on the glass was also crucial; in Games 1 and 5, he pulled down 12 and 13 rebounds, many of which were contested. His best performance of the series was arguably in Game 3, where he recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. Boston Celtics The Celtics are heading towards a transitional season and are on the verge of letting key players leave in order to build a stronger and younger core around Jayson Tatum. Gobert can be a very good addition to the team if they let go of Porzingis. Both teams could look for a straight swap, but considering the financial turmoil the Celtics find themselves in, this trade could be an unrealistic one, as Gobert has a heavy contract. Chicago Bulls The Bulls were interested in Rudy Gobert in 2022 and can again go for him in this offseason as the Timberwolves lost to the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. The Bulls can send Nikola Vucevic the other way and get Gobert, who is a true defensive anchor, or continue to hover in NBA mediocrity. New Orleans Pelicans The New Orleans Pelicans are short of good centers on the team, and that's where Gobert can fit in smoothly. With an injury-prone star like Zion, having Gobert behind him would be beneficial for the Pelicans. New Orleans has enough perimeter scoring to make it work.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bulls offseason trade proposal for Rudy Gobert after Timberwolves loss
The post Bulls offseason trade proposal for Rudy Gobert after Timberwolves loss appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been so close yet so far away two years in a row now. The team lost in the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season. After their loss last season, big changes were made in the offseason. The team traded Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Even more drastic moves could come this go around, perhaps even a Rudy Gobert trade. Advertisement Gobert is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, but he is also pricey, regressing, and offensively challenged. Many fans wanted the team to trade him last season instead of Towns. A full-blown rebuild seems unlikely in Minnesota, and a trade of any kind involving Gobert probably won't happen. It certainly isn't out of the question, though, especially because the Timberwolves want to bring back Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Naz Reid, and Randle. The former of those players is an unrestricted free agent, and the latter two have player options on their contracts. So could a Gobert trade to the Chicago Bulls make sense? Bulls possible package to trade for Rudy Gobert Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports Bulls receive: Rudy Gobert Advertisement Timberwolves receive: Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball, two second-round picks The Bulls' big three of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic never worked out like it was supposed to. In fact, the trio only made the playoffs together one time. The team finally decided to blow it up, and the Bulls traded DeRozan and LaVine to the Sacramento Kings in separate deals. Nikola Vucevic likely isn't far from being moved, either. Vucevic fits what the Bulls like to do. The team fires a lot of 3-pointers, and the Montenegrin is one of the best deep-ball shooters in the NBA. However, he will be 35 years old next season, and he only has one year left on his deal. Additionally, Vucevic's play has slipped in recent years, and the team could use a change of direction at the center position. Advertisement Gobert would certainly offer that for Chicago. While the big man is limited to put-backs and alley-oops on offense, he is still one of the best defense players in the league. The Stifle Tower was down to 1.4 blocks per game last year, but he still has some gas in the tank as an elite rim protector. The Bulls need defensive help. Their roster has plenty of offensive-minded players, such as Coby White, Kevin Huerter, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis. Gobert could help make up for any defensive shortcomings the team may have. Even after this trade, the Bulls would still have tons of cap space to make another splashy move in free agency. As of now, Chicago is a ways away from competing, but they have the resources to make the moves that can get them back into the playoffs next year. Would the Timberwolves trade Rudy Gobert? It would come as a major surprise if the Timberwolves traded Gobert, especially considering that they traded their other center – Towns – last offseason. However, it isn't completely unrealistic. As noted above, Gobert is on the downhill turn of his career. While still a great defender, he isn't as dominant on that end as he once was. Advertisement Luckily for the Timberwolves, the team has plenty of other defensive stalwarts. Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Jaylen Clark, and Alexander-Walker are all elite on that end, but the team needs to give Edwards a little bit of help on offense. Vucevic is more of an offensive-minded big. Additionally, the team might need to make space for Reid or risk losing the 25-year-old in free agency. Reid appears to be hesitant about returning to a Sixth Man role, and this trade would open up a spot in the starting lineup for him if the Timberwolves were able to re-sign him. On top of bringing back their own free agents, though, the Timberwolves desperately need point guard help. Mike Conley could retire at any given moment, and Rob Dillingham is the only other lead guard on the roster. He just finished up what was an okay but uninspiring rookie season, and he is more of a score-first guard than a playmaker. Minnesota needs somebody who can get the rest of the players on the roster the basketball. Advertisement Lonzo Ball is one of the best playmakers in the NBA. Health has been an issue for him throughout his career, but he finally returned to action last season. With Giddey, another jumbo guard, on the roster, the Bulls don't have much need for Ball anymore, but the Timberwolves could certainly use his services. Considering the Timberwolves have so many potential free agents who they might lose on the open market, too, adding more depth in a two-for-one trade could make sense.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rudy Gobert's viral dribbling clip sparks laughter online during Minnesota Timberwolves playoff push
Rudy Gobert, renowned for his defensive prowess, unexpectedly went viral due to a pregame dribbling video. The clip of the Timberwolves center's awkward ball-handling sparked humorous reactions online, contrasting with his established reputation as a defensive stalwart. Despite the jokes, Gobert's defensive contributions remain crucial for Minnesota's playoff aspirations. Rudy Gobert, known more for his shot-blocking than his handles, found himself trending for reasons unrelated to defense or rebounds this week. A video of the Minnesota Timberwolves center practicing dribbling during a pregame warm-up quickly made its rounds online, and fans couldn't help but react with humor. In the clip, Gobert is seen going through a ball-handling drill, but not with much grace. The awkward coordination and loose control of the basketball sparked a wave of memes and jokes across social platforms, turning a routine warm-up into an internet moment. Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert draws reactions for his dribbling skills It's not often that Rudy goes viral for anything related to offense. The Minnesota Timberwolves center is best known for his defense, rim protection, and rebounding. He has won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times and is widely respected for his ability to block shots and guard. On offense, his role is usually more straight forward, he sets screens, rolls to the basket, and finishes plays near the rim. He's not someone fans expect to handle the ball like a guard or pull off fancy moves. So when fans saw the 7'1' center struggling with a couple of basketballs on the sideline, the moment stood out. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Born 1940-1975 With No Life Insurance Could Be Eligible For This Reassured Get Quote Undo Many pointed out that while it's good to see Gobert working on his game, dribbling isn't exactly his strong suit, nor does it need to be. Others simply laughed it off, treating the video as light-hearted entertainment during the high-stakes postseason. While social media had fun, th Image via @rudygobert27 e Timberwolves remain focused on keeping their postseason alive. Gobert's performance on the defensive end remains crucial, especially as Minnesota attempts to claw back in their playoff series. Whether or not fans remember this warm-up video in the long run will depend on how the Timberwolves finish the series. Gobert, despite the jokes, has consistently shown up as one of the league's most reliable interior defenders. And in the pressure-packed world of playoff basketball, even a viral blooper can't outweigh years of defensive dominance. For now, Gobert's ball-handling blooper offers fans a brief comic break from the pressure of the postseason. Also Read: Rudy Gobert shares photo with son after high profile split with Julia Bonilla amid her second pregnancy Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
