The Minnesota Timberwolves‘ dreams of reaching the NBA Finals were dashed as they fell to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 Western Conference Finals. Despite a solid regular season, the Wolves couldn’t overcome Dallas, losing the series in five games. Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, was supposed to be their defensive anchor. However, his performance was underwhelming, averaging just 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in the series.
Gobert’s defensive prowess, which earned him those DPOY titles, seemed to evaporate under the playoff spotlight. Dallas exploited his reluctance to step out of the paint, repeatedly punishing him with pick-and-roll plays. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving took turns driving into the lane, drawing Gobert out and then kicking it to open shooters, making him look slow and ineffective. It became painfully clear that Minnesota’s hefty investment in Gobert might never pay off in their quest for a championship.
Minnesota gave up a lot to get Gobert, including multiple first-round picks and key players, expecting him to be the missing piece that would elevate them to serious contenders. But his inability to adapt in the playoffs has left many questioning if he can be part of a championship team. His contract is also a massive burden, eating up a significant chunk of the salary cap, which limits the team’s flexibility to make other moves.
With his limitations on full display, the Timberwolves have to consider if moving on from Gobert is the key to finally breaking through in the playoffs. Maybe it’s time for a fresh start and a new strategy. Here are three trade packages that Minnesota would accept in a heartbeat to retool their roster and reignite their championship hopes.
1. It’s Time For The Pistons To Step It Up
Pistons receive: Rudy Gobert
Timberwolves receive: Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Evan Fournier, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick
The Detroit Pistons have been stuck in the doldrums of the NBA for too long, finishing the 2024 season with a dismal 22-60 record, languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Despite the potential of their young star, Cade Cunningham, the team has struggled to make any significant progress. They lack the defensive presence and veteran leadership that can help turn their fortunes around. Enter Rudy Gobert, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year, who could be the perfect fit to elevate the Pistons to a competitive level.
Gobert’s arrival would immediately bolster Detroit’s defense, providing the kind of rim protection and rebounding prowess that the team desperately needs. With Gobert anchoring the defense, Cade Cunningham would have the support he needs to focus on his offensive game, potentially unlocking new levels of performance. The Pistons are full of young talent but lack the experienced veterans who can guide these youngsters through the rigors of an NBA season. Gobert’s presence would bring much-needed stability and a winning mindset to a franchise that has been floundering for years.
From the Timberwolves’ perspective, this trade makes a lot of sense, especially when you consider the financial aspects. Rudy Gobert is currently on a massive contract, set to earn over $40 million per year through the 2025-26 season. This hefty salary has been a burden on Minnesota’s cap space, limiting their ability to make other significant moves to improve the roster. By trading Gobert, the Timberwolves not only offload his enormous contract but also gain valuable assets in return.
Jalen Duren, with his averages of 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, is a promising young center who can step into Gobert’s shoes and potentially grow into a star. Isaiah Stewart, who averaged 10.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, brings additional frontcourt depth and toughness. Evan Fournier, though primarily a salary filler in this deal, helps to balance the books and will free up significant cap space for the Wolves in the 2025-26 season.
In addition to these players, the Timberwolves also secure two valuable first-round picks in 2026 and 2028, giving them flexibility and assets to either draft young talent or use in future trades. This trade positions Minnesota to build a more balanced and financially sustainable roster while remaining competitive in the present and future.
2. A Reshuffle Of Big Pieces In Cleveland
Cavaliers receive: Rudy Gobert
Timberwolves receive: Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, 2025 second-round pick, 2026 second-round pick (via Bucks)
The Cleveland Cavaliers had a strong 2024 season, finishing with a 48-34 record, placing them 4th in the Eastern Conference. Despite their success, they were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals by the Boston Celtics in a 4-1 series. There have been swirling rumors about potential trades involving some of their core players, as the Cavs seek to retool and make a deeper playoff run next year. Rudy Gobert could be the defensive upgrade they need over Jarrett Allen, bringing elite shot-blocking and rebounding to complement their offensive stars.
Gobert’s presence would provide a significant defensive anchor, something the Cavaliers could leverage given their offensive firepower. His ability to protect the rim and alter shots would take pressure off players like Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, allowing them to focus more on scoring and playmaking.
For the Timberwolves, swapping Gobert for Jarrett Allen and Max Strus is a strategic move. Allen, with his averages of 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks, offers a younger, more mobile option at center, fitting better with Minnesota’s fast-paced style. Additionally, Max Strus, who averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, provides the Timberwolves with a much-needed sharpshooter. Minnesota has lacked consistent three-point shooting, and Strus’ ability to stretch the floor is invaluable. His pivotal role in helping the Miami Heat reach the 2023 NBA Finals, where he hit crucial shots and provided reliable perimeter defense, underscores his value.
Financially, this trade also benefits the Timberwolves. Gobert’s hefty contract, which exceeds $40 million per year through 2025-26, has been a cap space burden. By acquiring Allen and Strus, Minnesota not only gets impactful players but also gains financial flexibility, especially with Strus’ contract being significantly more manageable. This trade sets the Timberwolves up for future success, allowing them to build a more balanced and versatile roster while maintaining cap flexibility for upcoming seasons.
3. A Shocking Trade To The Warriors
Warriors receive: Rudy Gobert
Timberwolves receive: Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, 2027 first-round pick
The Golden State Warriors had an up-and-down season, finishing with a 46-36 record, which placed them 10th in the Western Conference. Their defense, which has historically been a strength, was somewhat mediocre this season, with a defensive rating of 115.2, ranking them 15th in the league. Despite their potent offense, the Warriors struggled to stop opposing teams from scoring, particularly in the paint and during crucial moments of games.
Rudy Gobert could be the answer to these defensive woes. His elite shot-blocking and rebounding skills would provide the Warriors with a much-needed interior presence. Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 12.9 rebounds and was one of the top shot-blockers in the league with 2.1 blocks per game during the 2024 season. His ability to alter shots and dominate the boards could complement the Warriors’ perimeter defenders, creating a formidable defensive unit.
Adding Gobert to the roster would also address some ongoing tension within the team. The well-documented beef between Gobert and Draymond Green might raise eyebrows, but if managed properly, their combined defensive prowess could be unmatched. Their ability to hold players accountable and their competitive nature could push the Warriors back into the championship conversation.
For the Timberwolves, this trade is beneficial on multiple fronts. Andrew Wiggins, who averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in the 2024 season, provides a versatile wing option who can score and defend multiple positions. His familiarity with Minnesota, having played there before, would make for a smooth transition.
Gary Payton II, known for his tenacious defense, brings another level of perimeter defense that the Timberwolves sorely need. Kevon Looney adds depth to the frontcourt and is an excellent rebounder and screen-setter.
Moreover, the inclusion of a 2027 first-round pick provides Minnesota with a valuable asset for the future, allowing them to either draft a promising young player or use it as a trade chip to further improve their roster. Financially, the trade helps the Timberwolves as well. Moving Gobert frees up significant salary cap space, giving Minnesota more flexibility to build around their core players.
