Timberwolves News: Rudy Gobert’s $46 Million Decision to Make or Break Minnesota’s Future Amid Ownership Battle

A new wave of enthusiasm has swept over Minnesota. They have a young, solid core, led by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. There is only one concern that could destroy their immediate future: their high payroll. The Wolves are among the NBA’s highest payrolls for the coming seasons. But with one decision from Rudy Gobert, they could contain it all. Or they could lose critical time in the title race.

During the final segment of The Hoops Collective, Brian Windhorst decided to invest in the future Timberwolves despite the ongoing legal drama over the franchise’s ownership. But he did address a crucial contract extension for Rudy Gobert. The reigning DPOY is making $43 million this season and has a player option for next season.

But Windhorst believes the organization could enter into negotiations and extend his contract. There’s just one dilemma. No one knows how flexible Gobert is willing to be. At 32, the French pivot has played a key role in making the Wolves the best defensive team. But the playoffs have revealed the need for more versatility. The only way to get there is for Gobert to make a sacrifice.

If Rudy Gobert picks up his $46 million option for the 2025-26 season, it will severely limit the Minnesota Timberwolves’ ability to make changes to their current roster. That means they could potentially waste the next two seasons trying to reorganize their ranks. The only way to speed up the process and ensure that happens next season is for Gobert to take a pay cut. And that can only be him, as every other major player is already under long-term contracts.

Now that he’s back from the Paris Olympics, Windhorst believes the Wolves will talk to the 32-year-old about an extension in the future. Obviously, if he accepts, the rim protector will make much less than the $46 million player option. But he’ll help the team build a championship-worthy team by adding valuable pieces to its elite roster. The money saved could also be used to extend key pieces like Naz Reid to stay with the team.

Timberwolves reportedly interested in contract extension with Rudy Gobert

While there have been no official discussions regarding a condensed extension for Rudy Gobert, Darren Wolfson of KSTP-TV says the situation is evolving. According to him, there is mutual interest between the Timberwolves and Gobert in signing an extension. While he has not confirmed the Frenchman’s willingness to sacrifice, he believes it is something that is well understood.

“Are they going to extend Rudy Gobert in July? I’m told there’s mutual interest on that front, so when you think about the books a year from now, that’s something the Wolves could do… Rudy, don’t exercise your player option, let’s tear it up, let’s extend you. You can structure the deal to save money in the short term. Hey, Rudy would like to have some security, at 33, 34, maybe even 35.” he said on Minnesota Sports with Mackey and Judd.

The immediate future of the Timberwolves organization hinges on Rudy Gobert. He could easily finish his final season while making $46 million and becoming a free agent. But that could potentially tarnish his legacy for giving up two promising seasons for the franchise. Plus, Gobert could be hungry for a win after not only losing in the WCF but also in the Olympic gold medal game.

The framework is also set. Now it is time to wait for discussions and decisions.