The Minnesota Timberwolves have officially signed center Rudy Gobert to a three-year, $110 million extension. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Gobert will decline his $46.6 million player option for next season to begin this new deal, which extends through 2028.
Financial Impact of the Deal
This extension will provide the Timberwolves with some financial flexibility, saving $10 million next season compared to what they would have paid under his player option. Gobert will now earn an average annual salary of $37 million, providing him with two additional years of security.
Gobert’s Importance to the Timberwolves
Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, has been a critical part of the Timberwolves’ success, anchoring a defense that ranked No. 1 in the league last season. The 32-year-old averaged 14 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game last season and played a key role in the team’s Western Conference finals run.
Future Outlook for Minnesota
The Timberwolves are now building around a core that features Gobert and rising star Anthony Edwards. With Karl-Anthony Towns traded, Gobert will likely continue to play alongside Naz Reid. This extension highlights Minnesota’s strategy of relying on Gobert’s defensive prowess to compete at the highest level while Edwards develops into the team’s offensive leader.
