The Minnesota Timberwolves made one of the biggest trades in NBA history when they gave up 4 first-round picks (3 unprotected picks) and a haul of players to the Utah Jazz to acquire Rudy Gobert. It has been a controversial trade for the high price point, but many have advocated for it, considering the Wolves are trying a new and interesting strategy.
Gobert joining the team would officially move Karl-Anthony Towns to play as the power forward, something that is suited to his offensive skill-set. Offensive-minded centers often make good power forwards, and the Wolves are adding one of the most gifted scoring big men in the league today with a former 3-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso is really intrigued by how this will play out and thinks it’s a good fit, comparing this duo to the 2020 Lakers running either JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard as the center next to Anthony Davis.
“It reminds me a lot of the LA team when we won the championship. We would start AD at the 4 and save his body a little bit by not having to bang with centers for the whole season. 82 games is a grind, going through the trenches every night, having to set screens, hit guys, rebound, run, and block shots. It just reminds me of having JaVale and Dwight to do some of that dirty work.”
“The fit is great because Gobert does all the things that KAT doesn’t do really well and KAT does things Gobert doesn’t do well. It’s a good mesh and it’ll be interesting to see how it works.”
This trade has been one of the biggest talking points of the summer and reportedly set the benchmark for the Brooklyn Nets in terms of the return package they should receive for Kevin Durant.
The Wolves still need to further improve their roster to be at the level of the 2020 Lakers, as they don’t have a wing player like LeBron James to compliment a 2-center frontcourt. Ideally, they will figure out the most optimal way of playing 2 All-Star centers in Gobert and KAT.
