After a second-round series loss against the San Antonio Spurs, it became clear that the Minnesota Timberwolves need to trade at least one of Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. Frankly, trading Randle feels like the no-brainer given the Wolves' need for a second option next to Anthony Edwards and his abysmal postseason play.Â
Gobert's status, on the other hand, truly felt up in the air after the playoffs. However, during a recent live stream with Bleacher Report, Jake Fischer noted that Minnesota is starting to question Gobert's long-term viability, which, in turn, makes a trade seem likely.
"Rudy Gobert, as much as he has been an absolute floor raiser that's helped Minnesota win significant games in the regular season, year after year, his shortcomings offensively have shown themselves. He had a very good series against Nikola Jokic this spring, but I do think there are starting to be some questions in Minnesota about the viability of Rudy Gobert long-term. He's got one year left on his contract at $36.5 million before a $38 million player option for the 2027-28. So it's not going to be the easiest salary to move," Fischer said.Â
Gobert averaged just 6.7 points on 45.5 percent shooting against the Spurs, which included 0 points in a crucial Game 6. Additionally, this marked the second straight season where his offensive shortcomings limited his impact on the biggest stage.
Considering this and that he'll be 34 this summer, it isn't exactly a shocker that the Wolves could look to trade him, and Fischer's comments make this possibility seem likely. What's perhaps more noteworthy is Fischer saying that his salary isn't going to be the easiest to move, which could set up a difficult offseason for the Wolves.
Rudy Gobert is seemingly on the trade block
Now, Fischer also mentioned that the Wolves will look to re-engage in trade talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. Whether it's directly for Giannis or in a subsequent move, Gobert will have to be traded if the Wolves land Antetokounmpo. Nevertheless, since the Wolves are hindered by their lack of draft capital, they can't count on a Giannis trade.
The most likely outcome is they don't land Giannis, and they have to pivot elsewhere. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that Rudy or Randle have robust trade markets. As such, if the Wolves are forced to pivot from Giannis, they'll likely have to trade Rudy and/or Randle for a player with sizable risks.Â
Without a doubt, the Wolves need more star-level creation and ball handling alongside Edwards. However, it's fair to wonder whether they can truly find this desired archetype in a deal centered around Gobert or Randle, especially when paired with their limited draft capital. Based on Fischer's comments and projecting who could be available, the Wolves may have a tough time finding this ideal return.Â
Given Gobert's age and offensive limitations, I've pitched Dejounte Murray as a high-end trade target for the Wolves. While I'm intrigued with his fit, it's worth noting that Murray is coming off an Achilles injury, though he looked good upon return. This is what I mean by the Wolves will likely have to take on a player with sizable risks.
The possibility of a three-team blockbuster involving both Gobert and Randle can't be ruled out, but there would be a lot of moving parts. It's worth wondering what the Wolves would do if the interest in Gobert isn't there from the teams that fans are projecting.Â
Bringing Gobert back could be worthwhile given his defensive impact. Still, as Rudy continues to age, his value isn't getting any higher, so now could be the time to trade him, even if it's not for a package that fans would dream of.Â
Without a doubt, Fischer's reporting provides clarity that Gobert is indeed a trade candidate, but it should set an expectation for fans that his value isn't sky high.Â
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