The Minnesota Timberwolves are about to head into a very important season. With LaMelo Ball now in place alongside Anthony Edwards, they have a chance to begin a new era of Wolves basketball. And ideally, one where they finally get over the hump and win an NBA Championship. But this season, in particular, will be a crucial one for Rudy Gobert.
Gobert was already reportedly on the trade block this past summer. His name was thrown around in rumors as a potential trade candidate, as the Wolves wanted to shake up the roster. Well, Minnesota ultimately decided to move on from Julius Randle and Naz Reid. Gobert is still in place. But if he struggles, or the Wolves struggle, he could find himself back on the trade block next summer.
He has a $38 million player option for the 2027-28 campaign, which would make him an expiring contract. Deals like that are easily moved in the right trade. And if Gobert doesn't fit well next to Ball, he could be shipped out.
If Rudy Gobert doesn't play well next to LaMelo Ball, he could be back on the trade block
Gobert has been the backbone of the Wolves’ defense ever since he joined them back in 2022. He’s made three straight All-Defensive Teams and even took home a fourth Defensive Player of the Year award.
His impact has been undeniable. There’s a reason the Wolves have consistently been one of the better defensive teams in the league since they traded for Gobert.
However, the Wolves have also yet to get over the hump and win the championship. They’ve stalled out in the Western Conference finals twice, and when results don’t come, changes do.
With Ball in town, perhaps the Wolves could look to move forward with a more offensive-minded approach. If they wanted to build a team like that, they would definitely consider trading Gobert.
Ball could thrive in a fast-paced environment, and Gobert isn’t exactly built to run the break at a high level. So, trying to trade him next summer could be smart for the Timberwolves.
That is, unless he plays well this year. Unless the Wolves prove they are a serious threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs as they are currently constructed.
If Gobert’s defense remains elite and his offense finds a way to complement what Ball and Edwards bring to the table, all while the Wolves make a deep run, he’ll probably stay.
But anything short of that, and it seems likely that the Wolves could consider throwing him back onto the trade block next summer.
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