According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Minnesota Timberwolves have signed Rudy Gobert to a new three-year, $110 million contract extension right before their opening game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Many believe this is a win-win deal for both parties. Rudy Gobert will have the long-term financial security he wants, and the Minnesota Timberwolves will save some money while keeping the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year on their roster.
The Frenchman had a $46.6 million player option for next year but decided to sign his new extension instead, giving him an average salary of $36 million. The $10 million savings certainly increase the team’s flexibility next offseason.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a complicated situation salary cap-wise. Because they have a negative cap space of roughly $32.7 million, the team has a mammoth tax bill of around $96 million, the second-highest in the league. This was noted as the main reason why they traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks this summer.
Rudy Gobert is grateful for his new deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves
Rudy Gobert said he gladly accepted the Minnesota Timberwolves’ offer because it creates a win-win situation. According to the three-time NBA All-Star, he hopes that taking a pay cut would allow his team to be more competitive.
“I think it’s about finding balance,” Gobert said via the Associated Press. “Every year, every time I sign a contract, I always try to leave a little bit for the team, be able to realize that I’m grateful to be able to play on what I’m earning.
“Being from where I come from, it’s an amazing blessing, and 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. I’m grateful that I’ve had great people around me,” he added.
