The Timberwolves now sit at 13-4, the current #1 seed in the Western Conference, almost 1/4 through the season.
Rudy Gobert defensive rating: 102.3 (#1 in the league)
KAT defensive rating: 104 (#2 in the league this year / averaged 109 historically)
Timberwolves: 106.6 (#1 in the league)
If they make the finals this year; are we still saying it was an overpay?
Beasley, Vando, Bolmaro, and Kessler were all included in that trade. Bolmaro was a bust, but Beasley/Vando were traded for another pick, and Kessler looks really good. That trade also included Pat Bev, who Utah flipped for another young player in THT. So Minnesota gave up 4 FRP + a swap, plus guys who were traded for another FRP, plus a good young player in Kessler, plus a piece that got flipped for another young player in THT.
That’s the kind of haul I expect for a consensus top 10 kind of player, not a mere All Star talent. I don’t think Utah was getting comparable offers from any other team. I like Tim Connelly (I had several in-person conversations with him over the years in Denver and he’s a good dude) and I understand his general team-building philosophy, but I don’t think any other team was offering even 2 FRP+swap+young guys for Gobert, so it’s an overpay. It might still end up being a championship move, but even if so, it’s a move they could have probably had a couple more picks left over after, which would be valuable pieces for shoring up depth at the deadline or next offseason.
Saying Beasley/Vando getting traded for another pick is disingenuous. Beasley/Vando/Minnesota Mike/NAW/2 2nds was flipped into a 1 first round pick, and eating the Westbrook contract.
Also THT isn’t some prize either, he is a tank commander with negative vorp.