Latest news with #RudyGobert
Yahoo
42 minutes 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
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.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert thinks Anthony Edwards' scoring struggles are overrated
The post Why Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert thinks Anthony Edwards' scoring struggles are overrated appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently gearing up for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Timberwolves trail this series 3-1 after a crushing Game 4 loss Monday night, a game in which superstar Anthony Edwards was held to just 16 points by the Oklahoma City defense. Advertisement From the jump in that game, it was clear that the Thunder were not going to let Edwards get the space to shoot that he enjoyed in his dominant Game 3 performance, so the star became more of a facilitator early on in Game 4, not taking his first shot attempt until several minutes into the game. Ahead of Game 5, Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert got 100% honest on why he felt that Edwards' impact on the game goes far beyond his box score numbers. 'I thought he was great … A lot of people think basketball is just about scoring 30 every night, it's not true,' said Gobert, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN on X, formerly Twitter. Indeed, Edwards showed a willingness to slide into a facilitator role on Monday, and for the most part, it worked. The Timberwolves put an impressive 126 points on the board against the best defense in the NBA; conversely, it was Minnesota's inability to get stops or defensive rebounds that led to their demise in Game 4. A long road ahead for the Timberwolves Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images The Timberwolves now face the daunting task of having to win three straight games in order to advance past this series, two of which would be on the road in one of the NBA's most hostile environments. Advertisement The Thunder organization has proven before that it has what it takes to blow a 3-1 Western Conference Finals lead, but the Timberwolves will have to play a lot better, particularly on defense and the glass, in order to extend this series to a Game 6 back in Minnesota. Game 5 is slated for 8:30 PM ET from Oklahoma City and will be carried nationally by ESPN. If there is a Game 6, it would be on Friday evening.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Timberwolves offseason outlook: The goal is to remain a contender, but that might not be easy
Despite having one of the league's most exciting young players, and a team tailored to compete defensively, the Minnesota Timberwolves simply couldn't stack up to the power of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals. It's tough to blame them. Advertisement Anthony Edwards has been superbly impressive in his young career, having now made two conference finals in the West, while producing some ridiculous offensive lines. The Wolves, as a whole, are trying to contend in the present and the future, a strategy that rarely works, but one in which their current approach is at least understandable given Edwards' readiness to compete at a high level. That said, they do have questions moving forward, and this past season might've been their best chance to make a real run at the Finals. Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards walks across the court during the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Minnesota would like nothing more than continuing to be a major player in the postseason. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Rudy Gobert did not have a strong postseason. While never known as a particularly effective offensive player, the 32-year-old has seemingly regressed in that department, to a point where it's now fair to wonder if the extension he signed in October — three years, $109.5 million — will age like milk. Advertisement If this was Year 1 of The Great Gobert Decline, and it could very well be, these Wolves will have an albatross of a contract on their hands and very little flexibility moving forward, as they need to take care of both Julius Randle and Naz Reid this summer. Fortunately, Edwards is locked in, as are Jaden McDaniels and rookie guard Rob Dillingham. As the Wolves will soon pivot from its older core to a younger version, growing pains are to be expected, which means it shouldn't be considered a failure if the Wolves don't return to the Conference finals next season. 2024-25 finish Record: 49-33, sixth in the Western Conference. Lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games in the West finals. Highlight of the season While the Wolves lost in the conference finals, making them for the second year in a row is a highlight in and of itself. The franchise has never been associated with winning, and that narrative is slowly fading away, in large part because of these past few years. If anything, making the West finals after trading Karl-Anthony Towns only further underlines their level of quality — for now at least. Players signed for next season Anthony Edwards Rudy Gobert Jaden McDaniels Donte DiVincenzo Mike Conley Rob Dillingham Terrence Shannon Jr. Key free agents Julius Randle (player option) Naz Reid (player option) Nickeil Alexander-Walker (UFA) Projected salary $137,423,371 Draft picks No. 17 Advertisement No. 31 Draft focus: With so many players getting older, and the uncertainty of three key contributors, the Wolves have to look for the best player available, positions be damned. If that aligns with the player being a big, physical wing or a potent defensive center, all the better. The Wolves would like to get Randle, Reid and Alexander-Walker back. They each are likely looking at salary increases, meaning the Wolves could exceed the first apron and then not have any notable money to spend. As such, if they are to make changes, expect them to operate via the trade market. Needs and goals To keep it simple, the Wolves have to remain true in their dedication of building around Edwards, preferably by going younger and providing him with a roster that has more long-term upside. Those changes might be a few years away, however. As for what they're hoping to achieve next year, you have to think they expect to be back in the West finals, even if that might seem like a tall task.
