Rudy Gobert’s Role In Failed Timberwolves-Kevin Durant Trade

The Phoenix Suns deciding to trade Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets has shaken up the Western Conference, if not the league as a whole.

Whats more, it still feels surreal.

Perhaps thats just a reflection of Durants reputation as one of the leagues all-time greats.

However, its more likely to be because Houstons interest was supposedly lukewarm.

There were myriad factors that led to the Rockets being an ideal place for him to launch the next stage of his career.

Yet, Houstons sincere reluctance to break up their young core was an obelisk of a hurdle.

Its similar to the reason the San Antonio Spurs opted against making an official offer and why the Miami Heat had theirs brushed aside.

Rudy Goberts Role In Failed Timberwolves-Kevin Durant Trade While the Rockets, Heat and Spurs wanted to cling to the fountain of youth, the Minnesota Timberwolves faced a much different obstacle in their negotiations with the Suns.

The Timberwolves were concerned about trading for Durant when Minnesota wasnt on his preferred list of destinations.

In addition, the Suns desired Rudy Gobert in trade talks, and losing their French defensive anchor to pair Julius Randle and Kevin Durant in the frontcourt together wasnt seen as an ideal pairing defensively, HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto reports.

Minnesota cant be faulted for not being too excited about the duo of Durant and Julius Randle .

Both players are upper-level scorers and Durant in particular.

Durants outside shooting ability balances out with Randles downhill attack.

At the other end, they can both be solid when engaged.

Furthermore, Durant has a knock for turning away shots, ranking seventh among active players in career blocks (1,273).

Nevertheless, neither player is considered a defensive-stopper.

Just about the opposite is the case for Rudy Gobert .

Gobert, wholl turn 33 years old this week, just completed his 12th NBA season.

In recent years, his on-court reputation has been dinged up by both cherry-picked lowlights and real concerns about his ability to guard out in space.

However, hes a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time All-Defensive selection.

The Suns are looking for a center upgrade and Gobert can undoubtedly still be an elite defensive anchor.

Khaman Maluach to the Suns? Though they acquired a defensive anchor in Dillon Brooks , Phoenix didnt receive a center in their trade with Houston.

Nonetheless, the Rockets were willing to part ways with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

With that selection, the Suns are expected to prioritize big men.

Notably, Duke center Khaman Maluach may be available in that draft range.

At 7-foot-1 and 253 pounds with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, Maluachs size for the position is ideal.

Now, his raw averages dont jump off the page.

Still, he averaged 1.3 blocks per game and deterred players from attacking the rim with his length, focus and timing.

That doesnt mean thatll be the next Gobert (who is listed at 7-foot-1 and 258 pounds) but he does have similar traits.

Even better, he has softer hands than the Frenchman, and could be an elite lob threat at the next level.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..

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