Revisiting the Blockbuster Rudy Gobert-Utah Jazz Trade
Only two summers ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz pulled off one of the biggest trades in NBA history. Minnesota acquired Rudy Gobert, a three-time defensive player of the year, for a boatload of picks and players. What seemed to be one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history at the time has now turned a new leaf for some. Let’s revisit this historic trade.
Trade Details:
In exchange for the three-time defensive player of the year, Minnesota sent over three unprotected first-round picks, a pick swap in 2026, and a top-five protected in 2029. But that’s not all. Minnesota also sent over Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, then-rookie Walker Kessler and Jarred Vanderbilt. In return, the Timberwolves received Rudy Gobert, a player who has been at the top of Defensive Player of the Year almost every year of his career.
But, even with Gobert being a stud in the paint, he still has his flaws: Two of those being his attitude and how he spaces with a team that already has a big. Gobert has had feuds with fellow feud–creator Draymond Green, his former teammate Donovan Mitchell, and more. Gobert often screams character issues.
The Breakdown:
Gobert wasn’t his former DPOY self when the Timberwolves traded for him. He was being exposed by smaller guards and more versatile big men outside of the paint. It seemed that the Timberwolves single handedly ruined their franchise that very day.
I’m talking like a Detroit Pistons 27 losses in a row screw-up, and that is saying something. At first glance, the Timberwolves seemed to have gotten bamboozled. Gobert being paired alongside Karl-Anthony Towns seemed like a good idea on paper. Even Gobert could be plugged in when Towns was hurt. It seemed like a great idea, well on paper of course.
But after one season in Minnesota, things turned around quickly. Gobert and the Wolves emerged out of the shadows of disappointment and turned their franchise around. Gobert and Towns quickly clicked and their team is now at the top of the Western Conference.
As for the Jazz, they got a complete haul for Gobert. Kessler has turned into a complete stud on defense and now looks like the next Gobert, but at a much lower price. But for Vanderbilt and Beasley, they were quickly shipped off to Los Angeles in a three-team trade at the deadline.
In that trade, the Jazz received Russell Westbrook, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, center Damian Jones and a first-round pick. Westbrook, Jones and Toscano-Anderson are all now on different squads, but any first-round pick can be valuable in the NBA today.
The Verdict:
I have to say at first as a fan of Minnesota sports: I was heartbroken. Minnesota sports always disappoint, and this trade was nothing new at first. But trades don’t always end up as uneven as fans assume. If a trade isn’t in their favor or they think they’re getting a bad return, chaos ensues.
Similar to the Tyrese Haliburton-Domantas Sabonis trade, this is a win-win for both squads. Utah turns to its rebuilding stage and gains assets needed for a rebuild while Minnesota receives a DPOY candidate and a much-needed boost of defense.
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