It can be quite incredible how the opinion surrounding an NBA player can change so quickly. In the opening round, Rudy Gobert was universally praised (well, other than by Shaq) for his work in the opening round against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
It didn’t last all that long, as the four-time Defensive Player of the Year wasn’t nearly as impactful in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ six-game series loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals. Some are calling for Gobert to be traded.
Unless included in a trade for a transcendent player like Giannis Antetokounmpo, I don’t think dealing Rudy would be wise.
Gobert is the anchor of great defensive teams
It’s understandable why fans of the Timberwolves would have the quick reaction after a 29-point loss in a game that saw their team eliminated, to want many pieces traded. That’s doubly true when their team lost the previous game by 30 as well.
In that blowout defeat in Game 6, Gobert finished with a goose egg in the scoring column. In Games 3 and 4, he combined for 24 points. In the other four, he totaled just 16.
Turning 34 years old on June 26, Gobert would likely have a good amount of teams looking to trade for him if it became known that he was available.
There are reasons why Minnesota shouldn’t look to search for his trade market. Gobert is signed for $36.5 million next season and has a player option for $38 million in 2027-28. It’s a substantial salary for sure, but not really back-breaking for the club when compared to the value he provides.
The Stifle Tower is still an elite defender. With an NBA that has Victor Wembanyama in it, Gobert’s days of winning Defensive Player of the Year are likely over. He still finished fourth in DPOY voting this season.
Rostering Gobert basically gives you a floor of being a top-10 defensive team. This season, Minnesota finished the regular season eighth in defensive rating. In the three prior years with Gobert on the team, the Timberwolves were sixth, first, and 10th in defensive rating.
It would be challenging to replicate this defensive excellence without Gobert. As such, trading him (unless it's for a massive upgrade) could backfire.
Gobert is never going to be a second (or third) scoring option. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t help out on that end. He is amongst the game’s best in getting “screen assists”, and he averaged just shy of four offensive rebounds in 2025-26. If the Timberwolves were to find a lead guard better suited to leading an offense, Gobert would get more easy buckets.
Now 13 years into his career, Gobert shouldn’t be deemed as untouchable in trade talks. I just thinkJulius Randle is the much more obvious player who the Timberwolves should look to trade. All in all, Wolves shouldn't be eager to trade Gobert unless it's a no-brainer deal.
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