Timberwolves sign Rudy Gobert to massive extension
Nov 9, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Timberwolves have committed to Rudy Gobert for the long haul.
On Tuesday, reports emerged that Gobert and the Timberwolves have agreed to a three-year, $110 million contract extension that extends to the 2027-28 season. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Gobert is declining his $46.6 million player option for 2025-26 to make the deal happen. The Frenchman’s new contract also reportedly includes a player option for the final year plus a trade kicker.
Gobert is declining his $46.6M player option for 2025-26 and receiving a fresh multiyear extension through 2027-28 – also giving Minnesota significant flexibility next season opting out. Final season has a player option, sources said. https://t.co/elXhX9Tl0v
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2024
In his first two years with the Timberwolves, Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks on 66.1% shooting. Gobert also won the Defensive Player of the Year award last season — the fourth of his career.
The Timberwolves traded a king’s ransom to acquire Gobert from the Utah Jazz before the 2022-23 season. The massive draft capital the Timberwolves exhausted to get Gobert may have played a part in the team choosing to retain him over former franchise player Karl-Anthony Towns.
After Minnesota traded Towns to the New York Knicks earlier this month, the former Timberwolves star threw some shade at his old team. But given the massive salary cap relief the Timberwolves got from trading Towns, it’s no surprise the team pulled the trigger.
