The Minnesota Timberwolves are among NBA teams eager to bring superstar Kevin Durant to their roster with a blockbuster trade. The two-time champion would instantly upgrade their roster, but also cost them at least one key part of their frontcourt.
While the team previously felt they were improving by trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle, he could quickly be on the way out of Minnesota after one season.
Based on recent details about a potential NBA trade for Durant, Randle would need to be included to iron out any salary kinks. However, the Wolves could instead part ways with Rudy Gobert. Losing either player depletes what's mostly been a solid frontcourt.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) and forward Julius Randle (30) speak during a break in their game.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) and forward Julius Randle (30).
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That said, Forbes' Evan Sidery shared that several players are likely off the table when Minnesota makes a deal. Forward Jaden McDaniels, who has improved throughout five seasons with the team, is one individual they wouldn't want to include.
Backup center Naz Reid is another player Minnesota seemingly has no interest in including in a deal for Durant. He was a key contributor off the bench throughout the season and recent playoffs, and it appears the Wolves realize his value as part of a legitimate championship run.
For a lot of Minnesota Timberwolves fans, Gobert might seem the logical choice to add to a deal to make it work. The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year averaged a double-double throughout the 2024-25 season, but seemed somewhat ineffective when it came to the Western Conference Finals.
If Gobert is traded, that would likely mean moving Reid to the frontcourt to start alongside Randle. And to some, that may not be in the best interest of having a solid defensive preference inside to battle with contenders.
Pairing Durant with Anthony Edwards would give Minnesota a powerful duo of stars capable of taking over games. However, they’ll need to make sure the deal isn’t going to eliminate other necessary pieces of a roster that could become even more of a threat in the playoffs.