Minnesota Timberwolves go all-in with Rudy Gobert acquisition
The Minnesota Timberwolves had decided to go all-in after completely a blockbuster trade with the Utah Jazz for Rudy Gobert.
It’s been a long while since the last time the Utah Jazz was considered a “relevant” team in the NBA. However, heading into this season, there’s no question that the Jazz, especially after their newest addition, will be considered as such.
Minnesota acquired Rudy Gobert in exchange for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, and four future first-round draft picks. Essentially, what the Wolves are indicating with this move is that they’re all-in on the 2022-23 NBA season.
After making a run to the postseason and then nearly upsetting the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs, the Wolves are attempting to make another leap in their ascension in the Western Conference.
Minnesota has added an All-NBA center to its core. It was a costly price tag but the hope is that a frontcourt duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Gobert could help separate the team from the rest of the competition in the conference.
Of course, I don’t think anyone will be confusing the Wolves with the likes of the Golden State Warriors or LA Clippers but, make no mistake, this is a move that suggests the front office believes that the team is at least in shouting distance of making some noise in the West.
What could make all the difference for the Wolves is whether or not Anthony Edwards is able to make another leap in his progression? Edwards is a budding superstar in the league and had some “wow” moments in the postseason.
That said, the Wolves weren’t terrible on defense last season. They ranked 13th on that end of the floor and would be considered as league average. Adding a player like Gobert could make all the difference and help the Jazz make the leap from average defense to elite.
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I’m not entirely sure where this move leaves the Jazz in the West’s hierarchy, but there’s no question that they are better today than they were yesterday. At the end of the day, isn’t that what the offseason is all about?