Tim Connelly reveals the Timberwolves' future plans for Rudy Gobert

Despite being one of the most highly-criticized players in the NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert was a massive part of the team's historic playoff run last season. In a recent interview, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly claimed Gobert will continue to be a central figure in the franchise’s future for the long term.

“We would like Rudy to be here for a really long time. Our goal with most of these guys is keeping them as long as they want to be here and everyone’s very happy,” Connelly explained to Darren Wolfson of KSTP Sports. “So ideally, continuity is one of the better strengths we’re gonna have going into this season, and we really like our core group.”

Gobert’s presence fortified the Timberwolves’ interior defensive capabilities and Connelly’s recent statements highlight a clear vote of confidence in his role throughout the coming years. The decision to maintain Gobert as a cornerstone of the team suggests that Minnesota’s front office is committed to a vision that values continuity and stability.

Gobert will continue to be one of Minnesota's cornerstones

The Timberwolves displayed plenty of promise with All-Star tandem Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way alongside Gobert, as well as forwards Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid. Connelly underscored the franchise’s commitment to continuing to build around the current core, which should lead to success next season and beyond.

It appeared Gobert struggled to adjust for a majority of his first year with the Timberwolves but he seemed much more comfortable last season and was a catalyst of the top-rated defense in the league. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year proved to be an essential part of the team, averaging 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game in 2023-24.

Even though last season ended in disappointment, reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004 was a huge step in forming a championship contender for years to come. In a landscape where roster turnover is very common, it's a great idea to build around a strong foundation because it will create more cohesion in the long run.

Coming off such a historic campaign that included Minnesota's second-most wins in franchise history and just their second ever trip to the conference finals, the Timberwolves have aspirations of competing for a championship in 2025. Gobert will continue to power the defensive effort that will go a long way in determining if Minnesota can exceed those lofty expectations.