The Minnesota Timberwolves, much like the Los Angeles Lakers, were sent packing in a disappointing second-round exit during the NBA Playoffs. To some capacity, both teams overachieved during their playoff run. On the other end of the equation, each side needs a bit of a makeover in the coming offseason.
For the Lakers, that comes in the form of retooling around Luka Doncic. There are several voids that need to be filled to maximize next season's window to win with their Slovenian superstar. That includes a new starting center, upgrades on the wings, and bolstering the depth.
The Timberwolves could help in one of those departments while also alleviating themselves of a big-time salary. It sounds funny to say, considering the direct playoff history with Doncic, but Rudy Gobert should be monitored as an immediate solution in the frontcourt for Los Angeles. Wolves expert Eamon Cassels did not rule out the possibility of Gobert being gone.
Cassels wrote, "Rudy Gobert isn't nearly as likely to be traded as [Julius] Randle. Nevertheless, if the Wolves want to go all-in on Ant's [Anthony Edwards] timeline, it could be worth parting ways with Gobert."
Rudy Gobert would immediately patch up the Lakers defense
Gobert is still one of the best defenders in the entire NBA, even with his 34th birthday approaching in June. There could be younger, more long-term solutions on the Lakers radar, but in the current win-now window, the Timberwolves center is an easy cheat code toward having an elite defense.
Wolves insider Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic supported Cassels' idea of Gobert being a candidate to be moved. Changes in the frontcourt stood out as the 'most obvious avenue' to explore with regard to tinkering with the roster for Minnesota in the offseason. Making room for Joan Beringer in the rotation was another reason as to why that was the case.
Krawczynski wrote, "Another season on the bench does not seem feasible, but the pathway to significant playing time likely resides in breaking up the three-man big rotation of Gobert, Randle and [Naz] Reid."
Randle could just as easily be on his way out of Minnesota, if the Timberwolves intend to shake things up among their bigs. However, should the Wolves decide on the Gobert route, and not have someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo waiting on the other end of that deal, the Lakers could take a real flyer.
Gobert has two years left on his three-year, $109.5 million deal. That could be a large price to pay for some. It does guarantee a top-five defender in the league, and often overall unit, though.
Dave McMenamin previously suggested that if LeBron James was going to be sold on the idea of a pay cut in the offseason, it would need to come with a sound plan. This is where those things could hopefully align for Los Angeles.
Offensive limitations have long been cited as Gobert's biggest flaw. That concern gets thrown out the window when given an opportunity to play off Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves in the pick-and-roll.
In a Western Conference filled with frontcourt talent, any team looking to compete needs a capable defender down low. Youth may not be on Gobert's side, and that could ultimately prevent the Lakers from exploring the move. However, the door of optionality does appear to be cracked open here.
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