It wasn’t long ago that Rudy Gobert was sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves in one of the most shocking deals of all time. It took Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, the draft rights to Walker Kessler, four first-round picks, and a pick swap to conduct business with the Utah Jazz. That deal was made in the summer of 2022, and now, just four years later, Minnesota may be forced to move on from their four-time Defensive Player of the Year.
The Timberwolves lost in the second round to the San Antonio Spurs, and it seems as though the team has hit their ceiling with this core. For as fantastic of a defender as Gobert is, he is really limited offensively, and regression is to be expected as he continues to get older. If the Timberwolves decide to move on from Gobert, the Charlotte Hornets just might be his best fit. So, what is the best package the Hornets could offer for the French big?
Hornets’ best trade proposal for Rudy Gobert
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Charlotte Hornets receive: Rudy Gobert
Timberwolves receive: Two future first-round draft picks, Josh Green, Tidjane Salaun, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Liam McNeeley
The Hornets haven’t made the playoffs since 2016, but they took major steps forward this past season. After changing the way they evaluate talent, by focusing on adding proven competitors rather than raw athletes, the Hornets were able to win 44 games. They even impressed in a play-in tournament win. Still, the team’s biggest need is evident.
It was clear coming into the season that the Hornets were going to be thin at the center position. Second-round rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate performed better than expected, but they still formed one of the worst pivot spot duos in the NBA. The two bigs averaged just 15.5 points per game combined.
A trade for Gobert wouldn’t bring in too much more offense, but he’d certainly provide an immediate upgrade to Charlotte’s frontcourt. Gobert is still one of the best shot blockers in the NBA. The Hornets improved in a big way on the defensive end this past season, but a true defensive anchor could help them take the next step.
Plus, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year could benefit on offense from playing alongside LaMelo Ball. Gobert doesn’t do much scoring unassisted, but luckily, Ball is one of the best playmakers in the NBA. He particularly thrives in throwing lob passes, and Gobert is a great alley-oop finisher.
The Hornets have a package that could entice the Timberwolves to make a trade, too. Two first-round picks would help replenish what Minnesota originally gave up to acquire Gobert, and Kalkbrenner is a solid rim protector in his own right, meaning the Timberwolves would get a younger replacement for their current starting center. Liam McNeeley and Tidjane Salaun are worthwhile reclamation projects, too. Neither has done much in their young careers with the Hornets, but both players are recent first-round draft choices who still have plenty of potential.
It is hard to say if the Timberwolves will end up trading Gobert. They made back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances before completing an upset in round one over the Denver Nuggets this year, and that was despite injuries to Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards. If they do decide to shop Gobert, though, the Hornets will surely come calling.
It wasn’t long ago that Rudy Gobert was sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves in one of the most shocking deals of all time. It took Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, the draft rights to Walker Kessler, four first-round picks, and a pick swap to conduct business with the Utah Jazz.