In the NBA, teams fail for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes, it’s directly related to basketball. Other times, off-court issues can be a team’s downfall. In any given NBA season, we’re likely to see both.
Look at the Minnesota Timberwolves. Yes, injuries played a role in their disappointing 2022-23 season. At the same time, there are purely basketball-related explanations for their shortcomings as well. By now, it’s fair to question the fit between Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. The duo may be too big and immobile to play together on a regular basis.
On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies seemed marred by off-court issues throughout the year. This team had talent and a roster that fit. Unfortunately, non-basketball distractions seemed to hold them, back. Could they turn their fortunes around by acquiring Gobert from the Timberwolves?
The Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: C Steven Adams, G/F Luke Kennard, F/C Brandon Clarke
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C Rudy Gobert
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have already made significant changes this summer. They let Dillon Brooks join the Houston Rockets in free agency with little resistance. As impactful of a defender as he is, Brooks’ antics felt like a contributing problem to the Grizzlies last year. He’s gone, and Marcus Smart is in.
That acquisition made perfect sense. Smart can replicate Brooks’ defensive intensity. He is just as much of a tone-setter on that end of the floor. Yet, Smart is not known for causing distractions, either. He’s a thorough distraction who ought to be a key part of the Grizzlies next season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
As for the Timberwolves, they’ve made very few changes. Presumably, they’re hoping for some better health next season. Fair enough. Could they really pivot and move Gobert instead?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
When the Wolves acquired Gobert, they were hoping his elite interior defense would compensate for Towns’ deficiencies on that end of the floor. They miscalculated. Now, they’ve got Towns guarding wings at the 4. As it turns out, he struggles even more in that regard.
In all likelihood, Minnesota would do well to shift Towns back to the 5. Partly, this deal is about addition by subtraction for Minnesota. At the same time, they should like the players that they’re receiving here. Adams and Clarke give them some much-needed versatility in the frontcourt. Meanwhile, Kennard is a fantastic floor spacer who will find a role in Minnesota.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
That’s not to say this would be an easy decision. The Timberwolves gave up a tremendous haul for Gobert, and they aren’t nearly receiving the same type of return here. That’s all they can do. Gobert’s value has taken a hit, and his contract is onerous. Should the Grizzlies even take it on?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Gobert must be tired of anchoring a defense on his own. Seriously. He’s stuck trying to cover for Towns in Minnesota. For most of his career, he’s been on the Utah Jazz, who typically opted to prioritize offense over defense with the rest of their roster. After all, Gobert was there to cover for mistakes.
In Memphis, he wouldn’t have to. The Grizzlies would be putting him alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. That should give them a dominant defense. Gobert would be the primary rim protector with Jackson Jr. roaming as a weak side shot blocker and freelancer.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have a log jam of big men anyway. Gobert is a meaningful upgrade over Adams, and Xavier Tillman makes Brandon Clarke expendable. All told, this is a buy-low opportunity for Memphis. If they capitalize on it, they shouldn’t fail in 2023-24.
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