As human beings, we’re always hoping things will work out. In a new relationship? You’re hoping it’ll work out. Got a new job? You’re hoping to keep it. If you’re entering into an arrangement, you hope it will benefit both sides. It doesn’t always work out that way. Meanwhile. it doesn’t always work out that way for NBA teams, either.
Sometimes, an arrangement simply doesn’t work out. Just ask the Minnesota Timberwolves. They acquired Rudy Gobert this summer. At 16-16. that doesn’t appear to be working out.
It’s more complicated than just simply saying, “Perhaps it wasn’t smart to pair two centers on supermax contracts?” Anthony Edwards is the Timberwolves’ top perimeter talent and the franchise’s future. He is ideally suited to develop before being ready to lead a team on a deep playoff run. Why make a splash trade so risky before he’s ready?
Keep in mind Gobert is already 30 years old, so by the time when Edwards plays at that elite level, it’s likely that Gobert will be too old. Edwards also doesn’t sound too enthused about playing with centers that clog the lane. However, Karl-Anthony Towns ideally needs a rim protector alongside him to shoulder that responsibility.
If the Timberwolves decide to make a bold change, perhaps it makes the most sense to part with Towns. It wouldn’t be possible to net anywhere near as much trade value in return for Gobert. Towns has a lot of value and could appeal to a team like the New York Knicks.
Could it be time for them to make new arrangements?
