8 Centers upgrades Dallas Mavericks could target this offseason

5. Rudy Gobert

Could the Timberwolves trade Gobert just one year after paying a massive price for him? Minnesota gave up four first-round picks, Jarred Vanderbilt, Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, Walker Kessler, Leandro Bolmaro, and one pick swap to acquire the three-time All-Star from the Jazz. It was Tim Connelly’s first splashy move after coming over from Denver, and it has turned into a disaster (subscription required).

Gobert still averaged 13.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 30.7 minutes per game, but the fit next to Karl-Anthony Towns was not perfect. The two had to adjust to playing off each other and injuries prevented Minnesota from seeing a significant sample of the duo together.

The Timberwolves should be building around Anthony Edwards, so are Towns and Gobert the best fit for their 21-year-old star? They aren’t, but the problem lies with how Minnesota fixes that. They cannot trade Gobert because no team is willing to give them anywhere close to what they gave up to get him, and dealing Towns does not make sense after he played just 29 games this season.

Minnesota will likely run it back next season, but Connelly should explore the market for both Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns this summer. Dallas does not have the assets to trade for KAT, but Gobert could firmly be within its price range.