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- Another blockbuster NBA trade!
- Rudy Gobert is heading to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a ton of draft picks and 2022 first-rounder Walker Kessler.
- The NBA world is going crazy after the Utah Jazz continues to sell away.
The NBA free agency period has died down drastically. But, the trade market has ramped up considerably.
Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics landed Malcolm Brogdon in one of the biggest steals in the past few years, and Kevin Huerter went from the Atlanta Hawks to the Sacramento Kings.
Then came the big one. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Rudy Gobert has been traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, the Utah Jazz are landing a ton of draft picks and Walker Kessler, the Wolves’ 2022 first-round choice.
Minnesota is sending its 2023, 2025 and 2027 picks unprotected and a top-5 protected 2029 pick to Utah, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/fz3wxKJT0D
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022
Woof.
There are reportedly more pieces to the deal as well, including Patrick Beverley.
The Timberwolves are sending Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt and multiple first-round picks for Gobert, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022
The thought of a Karl-AnthonyTowns and Rudy Gobert pairing is an absolute mess down low, and Anthony Edwards and — for the time being — D’Angelo Russell suddenly send the Wolves into a playoff contender in the Western Conference.
The NBA World Reacts To Rudy Gobert Joining The Timberwolves
It took a hefty price, but the Wolves just got a lot better by adding one of, if not the best, defensive players in the entire NBA.
https://twitter.com/dieter/status/1542960006592507904?s=20&t=HRvvF-aGoGx0WRTcrFqEtw
Woj just dropped a tactical nuke on Minnesota https://t.co/3o2tuGZRo0
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 1, 2022
Really really really really devastated to see @rudygobert27 go. My favorite Jazz player of all time. Ugh. I wanted nothing more as a fan than to see him get a ring in Utah. 💔 #TakeNote https://t.co/ygzNVl7TRq
— Jazz Fans Against Racism (@AntiRacistJazz) July 1, 2022
Durant is going to cost 23 first-rounders and the rights to Mars https://t.co/eamzVDbJw7
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) July 1, 2022
I'm sorry man what https://t.co/foSTNgBSi5
— Hanif Abdurraqib (@NifMuhammad) July 1, 2022
When did Rudy Gobert turn into Shaq? https://t.co/cT6djL9o4a
— Andrew Cumbow (@ACumbow) July 1, 2022
if this is gobert's market does a kevin durant trade value even exist under current rules lmao https://t.co/AwGX2hFZpl
— Matt Ellentuck (@mellentuck) July 1, 2022
Of course, let’s not forget about Brian Windhorst questioning the Jazz earlier that very same day. Well, he knew something was up.
Game 6 Brian Windhorst pic.twitter.com/Snq5aXtxwF https://t.co/dnZ4VkSkMb
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 1, 2022
The NBA never sleeps.