Chris Mannix believes the Minnesota Timberwolves might have to part ways with one of their most important superstars.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been at the periphery of the NBA Finals for the last two years. The Timberwolves have surprised many teams in the playoffs, only to fall short in the Western Conference Finals.
Despite this, the Timberwolves didn’t think it necessary to make big changes to their roster. In fact, they kept their key pieces, which included signing Naz Reid to a $125 million extension.
And in an even more surprising move, the Timberwolves re-signed Julius Randle to a $100 million contract, giving up Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the process.
But in the long run, the Timberwolves will have to reassess their roster. This might include them giving up one of their big pieces in the months to come.
Photo by David Berding/Getty ImagesChris Mannix says Minnesota Timberwolves might trade Rudy Gobert next season
Chris Mannix spoke on the Sports Illustrated NBA podcast, where he discussed what the Minnesota Timberwolves might do with Rudy Gobert.
He believes, given the situation the Timberwolves have put themselves with their roster construction, they might have to let Gobert go as he starts to decline.
“I think the curiosity is Rudy Gobert, I mean, they drafted two centers. Rudy’s still a dominant defensive player, but you can start to see the slide a little bit for him.
“Does he become a cost-cutting measure at some point? The guys they drafted are long-term projects. They’re not going to play next year, but next year, but after this season, do we see Gobert [leave]?
“I don’t think they were as good last year as they were the year before.”
Minnesota Timberwolves overpaid for Rudy Gobert in 2022
If the Minnesota Timberwolves decide to move on from Rudy Gobert next season, it could turn out to be a very bad move for them.
The Timberwolves gave up a treasure chest to land Gobert in 2022. While the move did elevate them into being contenders, it cost them massively.
Even more so than the haul, the Timberwolves had to give up Karl-Anthony Towns to keep Gobert, as he was due for a massive contract extension.
And unless the Timberwolves make a run at the NBA championship this season, the price they paid for Gobert will have been a waste.