In spite of Timberwolves Having been encouraged by last season’s success, there is an “internal overwhelming feeling” that the team will hit a wall before becoming legitimate title contenders if they don’t do at least another big upgrade, write The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski.
That line of thought is the driving force behind the team’s blockbuster Trade Agreements for Triple Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. As Krawczynski explains, the front office has had trouble identifying another player in the NBA who can address so many of the club’s weaknesses and will be ready for the package Minnesota is ready to offer.
Timberwolves predicts Gobert will make life easier for his new teammates, allowing them to bet more on defense and dedication. D’Angelo Russell a pick and roll partner who sets the screen well and can be a threat.
The Wolves also believe they can make Gobert’s life easier – Minnesota has stronger outfield defenders (Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Kyle Anderson, Prince Taurean) than Utah did, and The town of Karl-AnthonyKrawczynski noted: ‘the ability to take shots outside will complement Gobert’s inside game.
Here is more information about the Wolves and their roster changes:
- Sources told Krawczynski that Gobert has expressed excitement about playing with the Timberwolves and Towns is particularly supportive of the move.
- According to Krawczynski, Wolves sources were pessimistic throughout the process that a deal would actually be reached, and a deal looked “in jeopardy” on Friday morning. Minnesota is prepared to shift focus to other goals such as Myles Turner or Clint Capela before Gobert’s negotiations gained traction again on Friday when Utah agreed to make a deal without McDaniels included.
- Before reaching an agreement for Gobert, the Wolves made “several calls” to Nets About Kevin Durant, the source told Krawczynski. However, Minnesota didn’t want to cede Edwards or Towns to Durant, so those talks didn’t go far.
- Timberwolves also participated Dejounte Murray and can pay a higher price Eagle Krawczynski commented that the fact that they did not show that they valued Gobert more.
- The Star Tribune’s Chris Hine take a closer look at the impact the Gobert acquisition will have on Wolves both offensively and defensively, as well as from a salary cap perspective.