Minnesota Timberwolves

The Utah Jazz have moved on from star big man Rudy Gobert, sending him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal on Friday in exchange for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler and four first-round picks, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

While Gobert had been included in trade rumors all offseason, his move to Minnesota was shocking to many fans around the NBA.

Rudy Gobert being sent to Minnesota.

WOW. 😳 https://t.co/eCIg4TSlZo

— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) July 1, 2022

Wolves were so scared of the idea of Christian Wood & JaVale McGee starting together they had to trade the farm to pair Rudy Gobert with KAT.

— Dalton Trigg (@dalton_trigg) July 1, 2022

NBA teams trying to score on Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns like pic.twitter.com/mrJ0EngkTN

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) July 1, 2022

The Timberwolves just traded FIVE first-round picks (including Walker Kessler) for Rudy Gobert.

More first-round picks than Gobert has All-Star appearances (3) 😳 pic.twitter.com/f0p3IDS6y6

— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) July 1, 2022

Rudy Gobert is being traded to... Minnesota??? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/iaTqemiDXR

— theScore (@theScore) July 1, 2022

Pat Bev did all this just to get traded for Rudy Gobert 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/oBTL3BhXfM

— Markelle 🇭🇹 (@IcyLindorSznn) July 1, 2022

I am sad to see Rudy Gobert go. A master of the dying art of rim protection and a guy who clearly cared a whole lot

— Sean O'Connell (@realOCsports) July 1, 2022

If this is the package it took to get RUDY GOBERT, the nets should be getting at least double this for KD. https://t.co/PAYZ8TZiaN

— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) July 1, 2022

The Jazz are about to get exposed and realize how good/important Rudy Gobert was.

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) July 1, 2022

D-Lo
Anthony Edwards
Jaden McDaniels
KAT
Rudy Gobert

WOW. This is going to be interesting

— Barflaan Tedoe 🇱🇷 (@The_Barftender) July 1, 2022

That said, the Jazz were praised for their absolute haul of a return. While the individual players included in the deal aren't the best, the whopping four first-round picks, one of which is top-five protected in 2029, will be a game-changer for Utah in the future.

I'm sorry, losing gobert is ass and all but on the contrary they got rid of their shitty supermax contract and got 4 first round picks IN RETURN that's a win for the jazz

— Knicks Rants (@KnicksRants) July 1, 2022

Jazz lowkey won this trade they are getting a lot of value for Gobert who is good but they are also getting decent players and a haul of picks in return. For the wolves it doesn't make much sense to me why they would dump off all their picks and decent players for a bench center https://t.co/FwLhUtOoh8

— 𝓗𝓾𝓭𝓭👑🥊🐻🔽 ✟ G1GB ✟ #BEARTFDOWN (5-12) (@TheyLuvHudd) July 1, 2022

Danny Ainge dials up the new ownership and gives them a star in return for all draft captial. EXACTLY what he did to Nets and Proky when they moved to Bk.

Jazz just FLEECED the Wolves.

I dont understand the Gobert/Towns combo. Dejounte was available for less and fits better

— Michael Fiddle (@FiddlesPicks) July 1, 2022

I actually like this for Jazz. Vanderbilt Beverly Kessler all good defensive players in return + Beasley off bench, but 3 unprotected 1s 2023/25/27, swap in 26 and top5 protected 2029 1 is a ton for Gobert who struggles vs modern day small 3 ball NBA lineups. https://t.co/imwQGLgqgQ pic.twitter.com/F3g6DUS9B2

— SportsComedyHipHop (@SuperDopeHipHop) July 1, 2022

Danny Ainge did it again though.

Would you believe the Jazz just got more picks and better players in return for Rudy Gobert than the Celtics did for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in 2013?

You know, that trade that famously set Boston up to where they are today?

— Mike Kennedy (@MikeKennedyNFL) July 1, 2022

The Jazz got so much in return for Gobert, 4 firsts is craaaazy.

— Dhruv (@drpmmv) July 1, 2022

Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, was always going to command a hefty return, but not many believed the Jazz would be able to snag four first-round picks for the veteran, in addition to a number of roster players.

That said, Minnesota's lineup could be one of the best in the NBA in 2022-23 with Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and D'Angelo Russell set to take the floor together.

The Timberwolves possibly felt like they needed to make this trade in order to compete against the likes of the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns in an increasingly difficult Western Conference.

Pairing Gobert with Towns will undoubtedly make the franchise a contender in 2022-23 and beyond. The 30-year-old averaged 15.6 points, 14.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.1 blocks per game last season for a Utah team that was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

In 2022-23, Gobert and the Timberwolves will be a serious threat to make a deep playoff run.

As for Utah, it seems more and more likely the franchise is headed for a rebuild, though Wojnarowski reported the team plans to retool the roster around Donovan Mitchell. However, if the Jazz also end up trading Mitchell, it will be clear that the franchise wants to start anew.

After making the NBA playoffs for the second time since 2004, the Minnesota Timberwolves are going for it.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Friday that the Timberwolves are acquiring Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz for a mix of players and draft picks. In addition to Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt and Leandro Bolmaro, Utah will get Minnesota's 2023, 2025 and 2027 unprotected first-round picks and a top-five protected first-rounder in 2029.

Here's what the Timberwolves' and Jazz's payrolls will look like when the trade goes into effect, per Spotrac:

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Minnesota Timberwolves

• Rudy Gobert ($38,172,414) 
• Karl-Anthony Towns ($33,833,400) 
• D'Angelo Russell ($31,377,750) 
• Anthony Edwards ($10,733,400) 
• Kyle Anderson ($8,780,488) 
• Taurean Prince ($7,692,308) 
• Jaden McDaniels ($2,161,440) 
• Jordan McLaughlin ($2,160,000) 
• Jaylen Nowell ($1,930,681) 
• Naz Reid ($1,930,681)

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Utah Jazz

• Donovan Mitchell ($30,351,780) 
• Mike Conley ($22,680,000) 
• Bojan Bogdanovic ($19,550,000) 
• Malik Beasley ($15,558,035) 
• Jordan Clarkson ($13,340,000) 
• Patrick Beverley ($13,000,000) 
• Rudy Gay ($6,184,500) 
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($5,009,633) 
• Jarred Vanderbilt ($4,374,000) 
• Leandro Bolmaro ($2,471,160) 
• Udoka Azubuike ($2,174,880) 
• Jared Butler ($1,563,518)

Even with Will Hardy coming in to replace Quin Snyder as head coach, it became apparent after Utah's third first-round exit in four years that one of Gobert or Donovan Mitchell needed to go.

Getting four first-rounders for Gobert is a great piece of business for the Jazz. As great as he is on defense, the three-time All-Star becomes less effective in the postseason. Simply put, he's not a No. 1 star on a championship contender or great value for the $205 million he'll collect from his five-year deal.

If Rudy Gobert got four first-round picks, teams might have to send their arena, team name, and first-born to the Nets for KD

— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) July 1, 2022

Getting four first rounders for Gobert compensates for the lack of win now talent the jazz are taking back. Utah badly wanted Jaden McDaniels in the deal. Minnesota badly wanted to keep him. In the end, the wolves tree in more draft compensation

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) July 1, 2022

In addition to those picks, the player haul provides Utah with some flexibility to pursue another significant move. Beasley, Beverley, Vanderbilt and Bolmaro aren't really moving the needle in terms of getting the Jazz closer to a title.

John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports reported the team is interested in a sign-and-trade for Phoenix Suns star Deandre Ayton. Packaging some of the incoming salaries from the Gobert trade will likely help make the numbers line up to land Ayton.

This is true. I’ll add that the Jazz/Wolves/Suns had discussed 3-way deal structures. First heard that pre-draft in June when I reported on The Mismatch that Minnesota had interest in Gobert. A lot of moving pieces… https://t.co/gGlB3dFwBT

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 1, 2022

For the Timberwolves, all of the same concerns about Gobert's offense apply. The combined presence of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards could mitigate that effect.

On the other end of the floor, the 7'1" center can ease a lot of pressure on Towns around the rim. Beyond that, their fit remains a bit questionable for now because Towns isn't a natural defender on the perimeter. Teams might actually be able to more easily target him in switches or with stretch 4s.

If you could combine the best traits of Gobert with the best traits of Towns, you'd have a generational center on your hands. As a two-man Twin Towers setup, their individual flaws could outweigh their strengths when they're sharing the court.

But for a franchise that has endured as much futility as the Timberwolves have, you can't fault them for trying to maximize the window for contention they have with Towns and Edwards on the roster.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed three-time NBA All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns to a four-year, $224 million supermax extension, his agents told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The deal will kick in at the start of the 2024-25 season and increases Towns' total contract value to $295 million over six years, Towns' agent Jessica Holtz told Wojnarowski.

The 26-year-old Towns earned the right to a supermax extension after earning All-NBA Third Team honors in 2021-22, per Chris Hine of the Star Tribune.

Before the new contract, Towns had two years left on his deal for $69.49 million. He was set to become a free agent in 2024.

Towns led the Timberwolves to a 46-36 record and a playoff appearance in 2021-22 by averaging 24.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 blocks in his seventh NBA season.

They even made some noise in the playoffs by pushing the No. 2 seed Memphis Grizzlies to six games before falling in Round 1.

The arrow is clearly pointing up for this young Wolves team, which also features Anthony Edwards and D'Angelo Russell.

Minnesota hadn't made the playoffs in four years before this season, but the Timberwolves appear to be there to stay for the time being, especially with Towns in the mix long-term.

Veteran forward Kyle Anderson agreed to terms with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a two-year, $18 million deal, agents Thad Foucher and Joe Smith told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Memphis Grizzlies took a big step forward in 2021-22, going from a play-in position the year prior to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

To help the collective, Anderson had to make some individual sacrifices. The 28-year-old made 69 starts in 2020-21 when Jaren Jackson Jr. was out for all but 11 games. With Jackson back to full health, he took more of a back seat in the frontcourt.

Anderson averaged 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 21.5 minutes per game. He also shot 44.6 percent from the field and 33.0 percent from beyond the arc.

The 2014 first-round pick remained an effective defender. He held opponents to 58.6 percent shooting inside six feet, 5.1 percent worse than their usual percentage, per NBA.com. Opposing players also hit just 33.5 percent of their threes when matched up against him.

Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes questioned in March whether Memphis would go above and beyond to ensure the 6'9" playmaker returned.

"Anderson, having lost his starting gig this season, hardly seems indispensable," Hughes wrote. "Memphis could use his roster slot and freed-up cash to take a shot at Miles Bridges or kick the tires on T.J. Warren. Both would up the Grizzlies' 2023 championship equity."

When it comes to chasing a title, smaller-market franchises such as the Grizzlies have a much lower margin for error. They experienced it firsthand when their four-year max contract for Chandler Parsons in 2016 was a bust and almost single-handedly shut their window for contention.

Anderson obviously wasn't going to command max-level money, but general manager Zachary Kleiman has to be conscious of the team's finances. Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke will be restricted free agents in 2023, the same year Dillon Brooks is due for unrestricted free agency.

When it comes to role players such as Anderson, Memphis needs to be willing to hold firm at a certain price point if push comes to shove.

From the moment he entered the NBA, Anderson has been a solid point forward whose nickname (Slo Mo) succinctly illustrates his biggest flaw. If he were about 20 percent more athletic, he might be a perennial All-Star.

As a member of Minnesota's rotation, Anderson's role is unlikely to change much. He's a good backup power forward who can also be a small-ball option at the 5.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards should consider a career change, in the view of Tom Brady.

After watching a video of Edwards working out on the gridiron, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback said he is "playing the wrong sport."

Ant I know the money is good but you’re playing the wrong sport bro. @NFL https://t.co/FC6F05YSmr

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) June 30, 2022

The dynamic guard might take Brady up on the challenge.

Gronk gone, so what’s up??? https://t.co/A3RRksPd0G

— Anthony Edwards (@theantedwards_) June 30, 2022

Leading up to the 2020 NBA draft, ESPN's Alex Scarborough wrote how football was the first sporting passion for the 20-year-old. However, he soured on the sport after breaking his ankle during a local tournament in middle school.

Edwards will earn almost $44.3 million over the life of his rookie contract, and he's putting himself in position to receive a max extension when he's eligible to sign a new deal.

As much as the Atlanta native might love football, he probably shouldn't give up his day job.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on the most recent The Hoop Collective podcast that he would "keep an eye on Indiana" in regards to restricted free agent Deandre Ayton and that the Pacers were interested in a potential Ayton trade before last season's February trade deadline (38:20 mark), though the Suns didn't want to break up their core at the time.

He added that the Minnesota Timberwolves are "another team to watch" in the Ayton sweepstakes (39:20 mark).

A few things could stand in that potential pursuit for both teams, however.

For one, the Suns can match any offer Ayton receives as a restricted free agent. While it's a bit questionable if the Suns would want to match a max offer to Ayton—seeing as they could have extended him for max money and didn't go that route—it's hard to imagine the Suns letting him walk without getting anything in return, either.

The other impediment to an outright signing for either team is cap space. The Timberwolves have an active roster cap currently of $127 million, per Spotrac, so they would need to clear large contracts off their books before having the room to offer him a max deal in the range of four years and $140 million or anything near that type of number.

The Pacers, on the other hand, are at an active roster cap of $95 million, so clearing the space needed would be less of an exercise for them.

The other option, of course, is a sign-and-trade. Minnesota won't give up Karl Anthony-Towns or Anthony Edwards, likely leaving them with D'Angelo Russell to offer the Suns.

Given that the Suns have an All-Star backcourt of Chris Paul and Devin Booker already, such a prospective deal would likely have to involve a third team. It's hard to see Russell moving the needle much for the Suns unless they believe they can flip him down the line.

The Pacers, on the other hand, could build a package around center Myles Turner, giving the Suns an instant replacement for Ayton. Turner would be a downgrade, but if the alternative is losing Ayton for nothing or signing him to an offer sheet well above their valuation, it might be a worthwhile option for the Suns to consider.

Of course, the Suns and Ayton could also simply come to an agreement on a new deal and make all of the speculation moot. But if that doesn't happen, the Pacers and Timberwolves are reportedly two teams who could enter the mix.

Italian point guard Matteo Spagnolo is going to the Minnesota Timberwolves after being selected No. 50 overall in the 2022 NBA draft.

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Timberwolves Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Walker Kessler, C: Rookie scale contract

Wendell Moore Jr., SG/SF: Rookie scale contract

Karl-Anthony Towns, C: $31.7M (2024)

D'Angelo Russell, PG: $29.3M (2023)

Malik Beasley, SG: $15M (2024)

Patrick Beverley, PG: $13M (2023)

Anthony Edwards, SG: $11.1M (2024)

Jarred Vanderbilt, PF: $4.4M (2024)

Leandro Bolmaro, SG: $3M (2025)

Jaden McDaniels, PF: $2.5M (2024)

Jordan McLaughlin, PG: $2.2M (2024)

Naz Reid, C: $1.5M (2023, Club Option)

Jaylen Nowell, SG: $1.2M (2023, Club Option)

Josh Minott, SF/PF: Rookie scale contract

Matteo Spagnolo, G: Rookie scale contract

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Free Agents

Taurean Prince, PF: UFA

Jake Layman, SF: UFA

Josh Okogie, SF: RFA

Greg Monroe, C: UFA

Nathan Knight, PF: RFA

McKinley Wright IV, PG: RFA

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Spagnolo showcased his upside this past season with Vanoli Cremona in Italy's top division, averaging 12.2 points and 2.6 assists per game while on loan from Real Madrid.

The 6'4" guard knocked down 44.1 percent of his three-point attempts in 2021-22, showcasing the perimeter scoring ability that will carry him in the NBA.

Athleticism is a bit of a question mark, tying for the sixth-worst standing vertical (25.5 inches) and fifth-slowest sprint (3.4 seconds) at the NBA combine. The skill set could still help overcome these issues as he transitions to the toughest league in the world.

Even if Spagnolo doesn't earn immediate playing time with the Wolves—he might be an overseas stash—he has the upside to potentially help the team before too long.

After putting together the best season of his three-year career at Duke, small forward Wendell Moore Jr. was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 26th pick in the 2022 NBA draft on Thursday.

The Wolves acquired the selection from the Houston Rockets in a draft-night trade, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

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Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Name: Wendell Moore Jr.

Position: SG/SF

Height: 6'4"

Pro Comparison: Cody Martin

Scouting Report: Improved shooting and playmaking has given Moore enough versatility to draw NBA interest. He doesn't project as a self-creator or scorer, but his ability to spot-up threes, pass and finish in transition should carry over to a Swiss Army knife role.

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Timberwolves Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Wendell Moore Jr., SF: Rookie scale contract

Walker Kessler, C: Rookie scale contract

Karl-Anthony Towns, C: $31.7M (2024)

D'Angelo Russell, PG: $29.3M (2023)

Malik Beasley, SG: $15M (2024)

Patrick Beverley, PG: $13M (2023)

Anthony Edwards, SG: $11.1M (2024)

Jarred Vanderbilt, PF: $4.4M (2024)

Leandro Bolmaro, SG: $3M (2025)

Jaden McDaniels, PF: $2.5M (2024)

Jordan McLaughlin, PG: $2.2M (2024)

Naz Reid, C: $1.5M (2023, Club Option)

Jaylen Nowell, SG: $1.2M (2023, Club Option)

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Free Agents

Taurean Prince, PF: UFA

Jake Layman, SF: UFA

Josh Okogie, SF: RFA

Greg Monroe, C: UFA

Nathan Knight, PF: RFA

McKinley Wright IV, PG: RFA

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Moore finally reached his full potential in his junior season and emerged as a veteran leader for the Blue Devils.

After averaging under 10 points in each of his first two seasons, Moore put up 13.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from beyond the arc. Moore was a key part in helping lead Duke on a run to the Final Four.

Moore's performance this year earned him a slew of postseason accolades, including selections to All-ACC Defensive team, All-ACC second team, All-ACC Tournament first team. He also took home the coveted Julius Erving Award as the best small forward in the nation.

Minny is getting a consistent contributor on both ends of the floor who can grow into a reliable NBA starter.

The Minnesota Timberwolves addressed their interior defense by selecting Auburn center Walker Kessler with the No. 22 overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft.

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Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Walker Kessler

Position: C

Height: 7'0"

Pro Comparison: Brook Lopez

Scouting Report: Walker just put together arguably the most productive shot-blocking season on record in terms of production per minute. He's a limited athlete and scorer, but signs of shooting confidence suggest he's capable of eventually adding a three-ball to complement his rim protection.

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Timberwolves Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Walker Kessler, C: Rookie scale contract

Karl-Anthony Towns, C: $31.7M (2024)

D'Angelo Russell, PG: $29.3M (2023)

Malik Beasley, SG: $15M (2024)

Patrick Beverley, PG: $13M (2023)

Anthony Edwards, SG: $11.1M (2024)

Jarred Vanderbilt, PF: $4.4M (2024)

Leandro Bolmaro, SG: $3M (2025)

Jaden McDaniels, PF: $2.5M (2024)

Jordan McLaughlin, PG: $2.2M (2024)

Naz Reid, C: $1.5M (2023, Club Option)

Jaylen Nowell, SG: $1.2M (2023, Club Option)

Free Agents

Taurean Prince, PF: UFA

Jake Layman, SF: UFA

Josh Okogie, SF: RFA

Greg Monroe, C: UFA

Nathan Knight, PF: RFA

McKinley Wright IV, PG: RFA

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Kessler made the most of his one season at Auburn after transferring in from North Carolina. He averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks in 34 games.

With the 7'0" big man hovering around the rim, the Tigers held opponents to 38.6 percent shooting, seventh-best in Division I.

Kessler was honored as a third-team All-American and the Naismith Defensive Payer of the Year. He also collected first-team and Defensive Player of the Year accolades in the SEC.

While Kessler doesn't fit the profile of the floor-stretching 5 coveted by NBA teams, rim protection will always have a place in the Association. The 20-year-old might have a long career ahead.

New Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has high aspirations for Anthony Edwards.

In a Q&A session with Chris Hine of the Star-Tribune, Connelly said Edwards can be the "best player in the world."

"I'm a fan, first and foremost, and I love everything about his approach, his game," Connelly said. "I just love how sincere he is. He's always himself. He's just such a joy to watch play. He's a joy to watch be interviewed. He's a joy the way he interacts with his teammates, how much he smiles and how much he enjoys the game. I think it's our responsibility to make sure he never loses that, while also challenging him to be the guy we all know he can be.

"The guy can be as good as anybody in the world. That type of talent, he's certainly got the winning DNA that we're all looking for. So, I just don't want him to ever lose that joy. It's pretty special to watch a person who's that comfortable in his own skin. We can't skip steps to be an elite team. He can't skip steps to being an elite player. But there is no limit on what he can do. He can be the best player in the world."

Edwards has broken out as a young, charismatic building block for the Timberwolves in his two NBA seasons. The 20-year-old averaged 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists during the 2021-22 regular season, helping lead the Timberwolves to the playoffs for just the second time since 2004.

Alongside 26-year-old Karl-Anthony Towns, Edwards gives Minnesota two young stars who can be perennial All-Stars for years to come. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch also seemingly found the high-octane offense that can unlock the peak of Edwards and Towns' potential together; their next step will be finding more consistency on the defensive end.

Connelly comes over after spending the previous nine seasons running the Denver Nuggets front office. He'll take over a team with a far deeper talent pool than the one he inherited in Denver, but he replenished that franchise with home-run draft picks in Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.