Rudy Gobert Deal Paves Way for Two More Timberwolves Contract Extensions

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Oct 23, 2024

Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves — Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves kicked off their 2024-25 regular season on Tuesday night. But before they stumbled their way out of the gate against the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night, the big man got paid, in the form of a 3-year contract extension that guaranteed him more money long-term, while helping the Wolves’ luxury tax situation next season.

With Karl-Anthony Towns out, Gobert is in Minnesota to stay. And President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly already has plans for the luxury tax money he saved on Rudy’s new deal. A very specific plan, too.

Minnesota Timberwolves turn contract focus to Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Things were about to get very expensive for the Minnesota Timberwolves next season. That’s why they moved Towns and it’s why they needed Rudy Gobert to take a haircut on yearly salary, from the $46+ million he was due in 2025-26, down to $30-35 million. According to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, Connelly plans to use that savings to re-sign Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, beyond next year.

“The decision by Gobert gives the Timberwolves the financial wherewithal to retain Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid, who can be a free agent next summer, and possibly even valuable bench wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker. It is a reflection of Gobert’s affinity for the organization and the market, a place he has settled in after a rocky first season two years ago.”
Jon Krawczynski on Rudy Gobert’s extension (The Athletic)

Things didn’t start well for Gobert in Minnesota. It took time for him to find a rhythm and gel, after the blockbuster trade that brought him over, from Utah. Last season, his 2nd in a Timberwolves uniform, the 32-year-Gobert responded by winning his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award.

Rudy Gobert gives the Minnesota Timberwolves a path forward

Rudy also averaged better than his career numbers, across the board, including points (13.0), rebounds (14.0) and blocks (2.1) last season. On Wednesday, Gobert talked with media about how this new contract extension allowed him to help, not just himself, but his team too.

Rudy Gobert on his contract extension: "It’s an amazing blessing. At the same time being able to not be too greedy and leave some on the table for our competitiveness as a team. I think it’s important."
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 23, 2024

Rudy Gobert has been called a lot of things, and accused of even more. But one thing is for sure. The going on 12-year veteran understands that an NBA Finals ring comes by way of a team. And for the Minnesota Timberwolves to break the MN sports curse, both Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be important pieces to that title run.

Rudy Gobert said the contract extension situation was about finding a "win-win" for the team and Gobert.

"My next year contract was really high, so (it was about) being able to allow the team to keep our guys. That was the win for the Timberwolves." pic.twitter.com/T6qF1f1Txa
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) October 23, 2024

“I think it was about finding a win-win situation. I’m happy here. I want to win a championship here. My next year contract was really high, so (it was about) being able to allow the team to keep our guys. That was the win for the Timberwolves. But also being able to keep me for long term was a win for both of us. For me, just giving me more stability long term I think was what we were looking for. I’m really grateful, I’m really happy. The goal is still the same regardless of if I had a deal or not. The goal is to win a championship.”
Rudy Gobert on his contract extension (Dane Moore)

The Minnesota Timberwolves can now move forward with their big man secure, and clearly their focus now turns to locking up both Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Reid has a $15 million player option for next season.

NAW will be a free agent at the end of this season, and he currently makes just over $4 million, a very low number by NBA standards. It stands to reason that both guys would be long term priorities for Tim Connelly. We’ll see how quickly that extension process takes, now that Gobert’s extension has paved the way.

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