The Minnesota Timberwolves were close to reaching the NBA Finals for their second-straight season, only to fall to the top team in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Due to another failed attempt, offseason moves seem likely, despite how much some fans might want to see the team's core players remain in place for a championship push.
Last season saw the addition of Julius Randle via trade to the starting lineup, replacing Karl Anthony-Towns after many seasons. Randle played a key role as the former All-Star slid right into the frontcourt alongside big man Rudy Gobert.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert grabs a rebound during a playoff game against the Golden State Warriors at Target Center on May 6, 2025.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27).
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Gobert, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, spent nine seasons with the Utah Jazz before coming to Minnesota. He appeared in 72 games in the past season, averaging 12 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game.
In the team's Game 5 against the Thunder, he finished with just a field goal and five boards in 19 minutes on the hardwood. The game was a 30-point blowout, and his numbers weren't the inspiring sort of performance necessary to help stave off elimination.
On Friday, he shared a message with fans amid his uncertain future with the Timberwolves.
"To be continued...," was all Gobert wrote in his X message, which also included a photo of him huddled with teammates on the court and praying hands, wolf, and championship trophy emojis.
As mentioned, the team could make significant changes to the roster. There's ongoing Kevin Durant trade talks, with a deal expected near the NBA Draft. The Timberwolves are among the select teams that could pull off a big deal for KD.
As trade rumors swirl, ESPN's Dave McMenamin speculated that a deal could include Gobert going to the Phoenix Suns to make salaries work. The team's other option is Randle, who they would probably prefer to keep with Durant and Anthony Edwards.
Last year, ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Gobert declined his $46.6 million player option and signed a contract extension to remain with the Timberwolves through the 2027-28 season. His recent message could suggest he believes he'll be a part of the team next season.
However, adding a superstar of Durant’s caliber would unite KD with Ant-Man, giving the team two of the league’s best scorers, capable of taking over games. Fans probably wouldn't mind seeing that duo contending with the rest of the league's best.
Gobert will likely learn what his future is with Minnesota in the next several weeks, as the team decides upon the best personnel to further contend for a championship.