Above all else, an NBA general manager must be a good decision-maker. That’s the job. You’re making decisions for a billion-dollar corporation. The most important thing that you can do is make the right decisions.
Last summer, the Minnesota Timberwolves made a big decision. We’re not sure if it was the right one. The Wolves acquired Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz at a lofty price.
So far, he hasn’t looked like a good fit alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. This might have been a bad decision. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors have got their own decision to make soon.
Apparently, they’re struggling to come to an agreement on a contract extension with Klay Thompson. Trading him would be a difficult decision – Thompson is a staple of this Warrior team.
Could they send him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Gobert anyway?
NBA Trade Proposal — Minnesota Timberwolves Land Klay Thompson
Golden State Warriors Receive: C Rudy Gobert
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Klay Thompson
With that said, a GM doesn’t need to nail every decision. Look at the Golden State Warriors. They’ve established a dynasty in recent years. At the same time, even the Warriors have made errors.
For starters, they selected James Wiseman with the second overall pick in the 2020 draft. LaMelo Ball was on the board. Eventually, they’d flip Wiseman for Gary Payton III and some second-round picks.
This summer, they moved Jordan Poole – who they’d recently paid like a star – for an aging, expiring Chris Paul. Were these miscues? Absolutely.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Still, the Warriors have done a fantastic job with bigger-picture decisions. In the end, they’ve had a run as a dynasty – mistakes and all.
Would acquiring Gobert be a mistake?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do This Deal
This deal can be viewed through a few different lenses. It looks like a better deal through some than others. The first perspective is obvious: the Warriors are acquiring Rudy Gobert. He’s one of the best rim protectors in the NBA.
Pairing him with Draymond Green could give the Warriors the best defense in basketball. Of course, they’re losing Klay Thompson. That’s a problem, but it’s mitigated by the addition of Paul. The Warriors would still have a starting backcourt.
Ultimately, this deal ought to improve their win-now prospects. It does make their books messier. The Warriors are flipping an expiring deal for a long-term one. That’s a problem, too.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
At the same time, if they extend Thompson, they’ll run into the same issue. With that in mind, getting value for him is better than nothing. As Gobert’s deal comes closer to it’s conclusion, it will be easier to move.
Should the Timberwolves get in line to pay Thompson?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do This Deal
Gobert is a perfect fit in Golden State. He’s a poor fit in Minnesota. By starting him at the 5, the Timberwolves are forced to move Towns to the 4. As much as he struggles to guard the interior, he struggles even more on the perimeter.
So, this deal has them moving Towns back to the 5. The Timberwolves can build their offense around him and Anthony Edwards, and live with the results defensively.
With that in mind, Thompson is a strong addition. He’s exactly the type of player who can complement the Wolves’ star duo. Meanwhile, Minnesota may be open to extending Thompson if they have a good season.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
If not, they’re at least clearing Gobert’s deal from their books. That’s not ideal given what they paid for him, but that mistake has already been made. All the Timberwolves can do now is try to correct it.
