After Signing Kuminga, Timberwolves Could Part Ways with $75 Million Defensive Anchor Gobert

This offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves, aiming to make a genuine championship run, have completed several notable moves. Earlier in the draft cycle, they made a major trade to acquire one of the league's top young point guards, LaMelo Ball.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Hornets sent LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Timberwolves; the Timberwolves sent out Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three second-round picks (2029, 2032, and 2033), as well as first-round pick swap rights in 2028 and 2030.

The Timberwolves' latest offseason addition is the signing of champion forward Jonathan Kuminga.

The Timberwolves officially announced the signing of Jonathan Kuminga. Under team policy, contract details were not disclosed. The 23-year-old Kuminga has completed five NBA seasons. He previously played for the Warriors and was traded to the Hawks on February 5. He will wear No. 24 for the Timberwolves next season.

When a team continues to bring in new talent, it inevitably has to make roster reductions. An analysis by Heavy reporter Sean Deveney suggests that the Timberwolves could potentially move center Rudy Gobert in the future.

Rudy Gobert has two years and $75 million remaining on his contract, with a player option in the final year. The Timberwolves rejected trade inquiries regarding Gobert this offseason, but they face a decision about whether to retain him as he approaches future contract discussions. The team is very high on young interior player Joan Beringer.

This trade would not happen immediately. The likely timing would be around this season's trade deadline or next offseason, depending on the Timberwolves' performance this season. The team is currently in an all-in championship mode and will not make a move easily in the short term.

Although the Timberwolves are reluctant to let Gobert go, his large contract could force the team to make sacrifices. Gobert is one of the league's elite rim protectors and rebounders, and if he leaves, it would be difficult for the Timberwolves to find a direct replacement for his defensive impact.