The NBA has become a more international league than ever before. Many of the best players in the world were born outside of the USA. Meanwhile, much of the talent that’s entering the league is coming from outside of America as well.
Still, no international prospect has ever been as widely anticipated as Victor Wembanyama of the Sam Antonio Spurs. There is a widespread belief that Wembanyama has a chance to be one of the best players in NBA history. There couldn’t be more hype around Wembanyama. Now, the Spurs need to make his NBA life as easy as they can.
In all likelihood, that’s going to mean acquiring a big man. Wembanyama’s slight frame makes him more suited for duties at the 4. The Spurs could use a more traditional big man to handle the more physical play that comes at the 5. Why not fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves?
The Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F Doug McDermott, G Devonte’ Graham, G/F Reggie Bullock, F/C Zach Collins, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Rudy Gobert
With that in mind, there’s been a lot of controversy around international play lately. The FIBA tournament is in full swing. Recently, an American athlete made some disparaging comments about the NBA champions referring to themselves as “world champions”.
We’re not saying that he didn’t have a point. The NBA champions do not play against the best teams in Europe. As such, they don’t technically have a claim to any world championship. Simply put, they are the NBA champions.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves & San Antonio Spurs Updates
On the other hand, the best players in the world play in the NBA. Look at Wembanyama. He came overseas as soon as he was eligible to do so. In all likelihood, that’s not going to change any time soon. Could acquiring Gobert make Wembanyama’s transition to NBA life easier?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Absolutely. This is a buy-low opportunity for the Spurs. By all appearances, the Timberwolves may have made a mistake in acquiring Gobert in the first place. The idea was to make Karl-Anthony Towns’ life easier. He’s a weak interior defender, and Gobert is one of the best in NBA history. Unfortunately, Towns struggles to guard at the 4 position as well.
So, what type of 4 should Gobert be paired with? To optimize him defensively, he’d be paired with an elite roamer. Gobert can guard the rim in drop coverage while his teammate hunts weakside blocks. In theory, that’s exactly who Wembanyama is. The Spurs could build a dominant defense by putting these countrymen together.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Are they ready to do so? That’s debatable. Some will say that we have the Spurs rushing to compete. On the other hand, what are they waiting for? A generational prospect. This deal has San Antonio investing in Wembanyama early. Should the Timberwolves help them make that investment?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
The Wolves should probably trade one of these big men. There’s little reason to believe that they’ll work out together. With that said, they’d get a lot more value for Towns.
Sure – but then they’d lose Towns. For all of his defensive limitations, he’s one of the best offensive big men in the league. Moreover, the Wolves have a perfect frontcourt partner waiting for Towns. Jaden McDaniels is one of the best defensive forwards in the NBA. His versatility makes him more equipped to cover for Towns’ limitations than Gobert ever was.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Meanwhile, the Wolves bolster their depth with this deal. All three of the players that they’re adding here could be meaningful members of their rotation. Finally, the Wolves should be happy to land one unprotected first-round pick for Gobert as well. Who knows? They could end up drafting an international star with that selection.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
