The NBA just stripped five future first-round picks away from the LA Clippers as a result of its investigation into the Kawhi Leonard situation (cap circumvention). That’s effectively as many first-round picks as the Minnesota Timberwolves had to give up in the Rudy Gobert trade, for some perspective.
Minnesota traded for unprotected future first-round picks, a future first-round pick swap, Walker Kessler (who was just selected in the first around), and players to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Gobert. Meanwhile, the Clippers were just forced to give up five future firsts starting in 2029. At least the Wolves got a multi-time Defensive Player of the Year out of their situation.
Imagine if the Wolves just got nothing back in the Gobert trade. That’s pretty much what just happened to the Clippers as a result of the year-long Leonard drama.
Clippers just forfeited a Rudy Gobert trade package in the Kawhi Leonard saga
When the Clippers landed Leonard, they paired the move with a massive swing trade for Paul George. That deal is now one of the most clowned trades in the history of basketball.
Now, fast forward to the present, and the Clippers are also being forced to give up even more picks because they were found to have illegally supplemented Leonard’s contract with a disingenuous brand deal.
From 2029-2033, the Clippers will have to forfeit five straight first-round picks because of the Leonard saga. That’s a massive price to pay for a guy who never even appeared in the Western Conference finals.
When the Wolves made the trade for Gobert, they were instantly criticized. They coughed up a massive haul of draft picks for a guy who – though elite on defense – wasn’t an amazing offensive player.
Since then, Gobert has proven to be a steady version of his DPOY self. He won a fourth Defensive Player of the Year award in Minnesota and has continued to be one of the best defenders in NBA history.
With him on board, the Wolves have made two WCF appearances, and though they were unable to make it to the NBA Finals, it’s undoubtedly one of the most successful stretches in franchise history.
Perhaps the deal still wasn’t worth it in some people’s eyes. But the Wolves have been consistent contenders. And Gobert’s defense has been a huge part of that.
Meanwhile, the Clippers had to give up as many first-round picks as punishment. Now, their future is in a dire place. Have that for some perspective, Minnesota.
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