In the NBA, a player’s trade value can change quickly. A team may surrender a huge package for a player. That doesn’t mean they’ll get the same return for him. It’s possible that his trade value will take a hit.
Look at Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves sent out such a tremendous package for Gobert that some claimed it broke the league’s trade market. This is not looking like it’s going to be remembered as a good deal. If the Wolves did make Gobert available now, they wouldn’t get nearly the return that they sent out for him.
Does that mean that they shouldn’t trade him? Not necessarily. If the Wolves don’t think that Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns can co-exist, they don’t want to compound their mistake. They may want to consider moving Gobert even if it means taking a net loss. Could they send him to the Dallas Mavericks?
The Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., C Richaun Holmes, F/C Maxi Kleber, G/F Josh Green, 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Rudy Gobert
It’s not easy for anybody to admit that they made a mistake. It’s not easy for NBA teams, either. A general manager doesn’t want to concede that they erred in making a trade. If they make that concession, they could find themselves in the hot seat.
At the same time, the mistake itself could put them in the hot seat, too. Again – it’s best to avoid compounding a mistake. A general manager may take a net loss in a trade, but if it improves the team’s performance, it could be worth their time. In the end, it all boils down to wins and losses.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves & Dallas Mavericks Updates
That’s not to say that the Timberwolves have to trade Gobert. They don’t have to concede that they made a mistake. Luckily, they couldn’t make this deal right now – Holmes is subject to trade restrictions at the moment. The Wolves should probably give Gobert and Towns a little more time anyway. If they’re not delivering by the deadline, could they consider a move like this one?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
Why did the Wolves acquire Gobert in the first place? Well, Towns is a poor interior defender. By contrast, Gobert is one of the best rim protectors in the NBA – if not the best. So, the Wolves thought Gobert could cover for Towns’ poor interior defense.
That made sense – in theory. In practice, Towns struggles even more to guard the perimeter. The Wolves could look to pair him with a rim protector at times, but committing to those looks on a full-time basis may have been a mistake. This deal corrects it. The Wolves could play Towns alongside Holmes for stretches when they badly need both Towns’ offense and some rim protection.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Yet, Holmes is largely here to make the money work. Kleber’s versatile defensive ability may actually make him a better fit alongside Towns. Hardaway Jr.’s movement shooting should improve this team. Still, the return is highlighted by the young Green and an unprotected first. Should the Mavericks give up so much for Gobert?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
There’s another reason that Gobert’s fit in Minnesota has been suspect. This team doesn’t have an elite pick-and-roll guard. The Mavericks do. Luka Doncic and Gobert should make magic together in those sets. Gobert’s offensive fit with this roster is much stronger.
Defensively, Gobert fits alongside anyone. Sure, Gobert can struggle to defend in space. In the playoffs, that can be exploited. Still, he’s one of the best rim protectors in NBA history. Gobert can anchor this team’s defense while Doncic and Kyrie Irving carry the offense. That feels like a recipe for a playoff run – if not a deep one.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are exploiting a buy-low opportunity here. Gobert may have flaws, but he’s considerably more impactful than any player that Dallas is giving up in this deal. All the Mavericks need is for the Timberwolves to concede that they made a mistake.
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