In a blockbuster move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Minnesota Timberwolves have signed star center Rudy Gobert to a massive three-year, $110 million contract extension, according to league sources. The deal, finalized just moments before the Timberwolves tipped off their 2024-25 season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, locks in the four-time Defensive Player of the Year as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.
A Creative Approach to Contention
As negotiations unfolded, Gobert expressed unwavering faith in the Timberwolves’ approach to building a championship contender. The French big man, known for his rim protection and rebounding prowess, worked with his agent Bouna Ndiaye and the Timberwolves’ front office to explore a creative route that would provide him with long-term financial security while granting the organization the flexibility to continue adding key pieces around him and rising star Anthony Edwards.
To facilitate the agreement, Gobert opted to decline his $46.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, instead inking a fresh multi-year deal that reportedly includes a player option for the 2027-28 campaign and a trade kicker. This structure allows the Timberwolves to navigate the intricacies of the salary cap as they strive to assemble a roster capable of challenging the Western Conference’s elite.
The Gobert Effect
Since arriving in Minnesota via a blockbuster trade in the summer of 2022, Gobert has made an indelible impact on the Timberwolves’ fortunes. His presence in the paint has transformed the team’s defense, with his league-leading blocks and rebounds serving as the backbone of their vastly improved defensive rating. Alongside the explosive scoring of Edwards and the steady playmaking of D’Angelo Russell, Gobert has helped elevate the Timberwolves into the playoff picture in the hyper-competitive Western Conference.
Rudy is a generational talent, and his impact on our team cannot be overstated. Securing his long-term future with the Timberwolves was our top priority this offseason, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him as a pillar of our franchise for years to come.
– A source close to the Timberwolves organization
Building a Contender
With Gobert’s extension secured, the Timberwolves can now shift their focus to surrounding their star duo with the complementary pieces needed to make a deep postseason run. The upcoming NBA Draft and free agency period will provide opportunities to bolster the roster, with the team expected to target wing depth and additional shooting to space the floor for Gobert’s rim-rolling and Edwards’ slashing.
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Minnesota to see if their bet on Gobert pays off. With the financial commitment they’ve made to their defensive anchor, the pressure is on to deliver results and establish the Timberwolves as a perennial contender in the Western Conference. For a franchise that has long struggled to find sustained success, the Gobert era represents a chance to rewrite history and bring championship glory to the Twin Cities.
