That is rarely the case Minnesota Timberwolves It surprised the NBA world, but that’s exactly what happened a few days after joining the free agency when the organization completed the Rudy Gobert blockbuster deal. In exchange for the All-Star Center, Utah Jazz Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Walker Kessler, Leandro Bolmaro, Jarred Vanderbilt, and four future picks have been regained, three of which are defenseless.
In addition to driving the entire trading market out of runaway during the off-season, which is one of the highest prices paid to stars in the trade and also expects Kevin Durant to be traded, the move is serious for wolves. Brought great expectations. Inside and outside.
During a press conference on Friday $ 224 million extension for four years he signed Earlier this month, Karl-Anthony Towns said he expected wolves to compete for the title.
“It’s about time,” Towns said. ” [Rudy Gobert] Trade will occur. I don’t have time anymore. There is no more excuse. We have to do it now. The current championship or bust. I have to go out and get the job done. “
Towns added that he and Gobert would complement each other well.
“We certainly expect a lot of wins,” said Towns, his team, who hasn’t won the playoff series since 2004. Bringing the championship here in Minnesota. I think Rudy will add a big element to it. He will be a big part of us as a championship team. My job is to help him as much as he helps me. His strengths are my weaknesses and his weaknesses are my strengths, so we can play off each other. “
Much of the trade conversations focus on how much the wolves have given up, and there is a large belief that they have made large overpayments. But wherever you fall into that debate, there is no doubt that your team will be better off in court with Gobert. The Three-Time Defensive Player of the Year is one of the best rim protectors in the league, improving team defense and rebound alone. Both were issues last season.
However, there is a big difference between competing for the title of the team that had to win the play-in game to take part in the playoffs after finishing 7th at the Western Conference last season and improving. To see its value, take a look at Gobert’s post-transaction wolf forecast by SportsLine data scientist Stephen Oh. As you can see, I don’t even expect to have a final.
| Before trading | 41.6 | 50.7% | 38.6% | 0.38% | 0.04% |
| After the transaction | 45.9 | 56.0% | 68.2% | 1.12% | 0.35% |
| difference | +4.3 | + 5.2% | + 29.6% | + 0.74% | + 0.31% |
The wolf had some impressive moments in the first round match Memphis Grizzlies, And definitely could have won the series. Still, they aren’t going to win the title last season, especially now that there’s a gap between them and the other teams at the top of the west. Los Angeles Clippers When Denver Nuggets It is expected to return the key starter who missed due to an injury last season.Of course, it doesn’t take into account some of the Eastern Conference elite teams Boston Celtics When Milwaukee Bucks..
You can’t blame Towns’ ambitions-he says he’s not going to stand there and is happy just to play off-but if both he and the wolf fans are really hoping for the title This season can be disappointing.
