The Minnesota Timberwolves just started the first game of their 2024-25 NBA season. But before their opening night matchup vs the Los Angeles Lakers tipped off on Tuesday, big news broke regarding center Rudy Gobert.
Rudy Gobert signs contract extension with Minnesota Timberwolves
He and the Timberwolves agreed to a three-year contract extension on Tuesday, about five minutes before their game vs the Lakers began. The news was reported by Shams (ESPN). Rudy’s new deal is worth $100 million. It’s a paycut, but gives Gobert more security into the future.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has reached a three-year, $110 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN. T’Wolves and Gobert’s agent, Bouna Ndiaye, negotiated the new deal locking in the league-record four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/1FfVQnbJYa
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2024
It’s a great deal for all sides. Not only will it save the Wolves money, based on what their big man makes every game check, but it will also relieve them from a bit of the luxury tax hell that they currently live in.
Gobert takes pay cut in exchange for longer term security
This new contract will increase Minnesota’s flexibility next offseason. That’s because this new deal means Gobert has officially opted out of $46.6 million player option for 2025-26. Next year’s number should now be in the $30-$35 million range, depending on how this new contract is structured.
Gobert still has a player option at the end of this new deal, but the dollar amount will be less. This extension makes it even more unlikely Julius Randle sticks around. That isn’t a shock, but does fly in the face of reports that have come out suggesting the Wolves were interested in Randle long-term.
Related: 5 Bold Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions for 2024-25 Season
Last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rudy Gobert averaged 14 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. All of those numbers were higher than his career averages. Oh, and he won his 4th Defensive Player of the Year trophy. Just like that annoyed Shaq and Draymond Green, there is no doubt his extension will probably annoy them too.