The Minnesota Timberwolves had a busy past few days. They drafted two 18-year-old centers with Joan Beringer at pick 17, and Rocco Zikarsky at pick 45, then later extended Naz Reid to a massive five-year $125 million deal. With these moves, Rudy Gobert doesn’t feel like a part of the Wolves' long-term future. Beringer and Zikarsky are project players, so it’s highly doubtful that the Wolves will immediately trade Gobert. However, Rudy has three years left on his $109 million contract, and he could be traded before his deal up.
Rudy Gobert is no longer a key part of the Wolves core
With the Wolves drafting two defensive-minded centers, Gobert will serve as a crucial mentor. Nevertheless, the Wolves' draft picks paired with Reid’s massive extension show that the 33-year-old center isn’t a long-term part of the core. Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle (assuming they re-sign him), Jaden McDaniels, and Reid are the Wolves' clear core. Hopefully, Rob Dillingham and at least one of the young centers can become a part of this core.
Finding possible successors for Gobert makes sense given his age, even if they are currently raw. Gobert is still one of the best rim protectors in the league and is poised to continue playing at a high level for at least next season. Regardless, Gobert’s offensive game, which has never been great, is clearly declining. Notably, Gobert averaged 12 points in the regular season, which was his lowest mark since 2015-16, and a career-low 7.9 points in the playoffs. Gobert’s poor hands and inability to score undoubtedly hurt the Wolves in the playoffs. Despite Reid’s defensive issues, his elite offensive skill set makes him easier to build around.
Gobert’s offensive game continues to decline, the Wolves could replace him with Reid in the starting lineup. Furthermore, if Beringer or Zikarsky shows flashes as a rookie, the Wolves could move off Gobert in the 2026 offseason. It’s also possible that the Wolves look to trade Gobert in the 2027 offseason, as Beringer and Zikarsky will be more polished, and Gobert’s contract will be more valuable with just a year left.
Since being traded to Minnesota in 2022, Gobert has been a vital part of the Wolves’ success, including their back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances. He is still an elite-level rim protector and defender. Gobert is also a consummate professional who will mentor the young centers and play any role the team asks him to. Nevertheless, his offensive skill set is limited, and the Wolves' recent moves signal that they will move on from him before his contract is up.