The Boston Celtics quietly inquired about the availability of Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert leading up to the trade deadline. The exploratory front office move surfaces right in the middle of the ongoing, complex negotiations surrounding Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Boston lacks significant backcourt ball-handlers after trading Anfernee Simons. Acquiring a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year like Gobert would mark a severe philosophical shift for the coaching staff. NBA insider Jake Fischer reports the Celtics made the call, but Minnesota is not actively shopping their rim protector. Rival front offices came away with the impression that moving Julius Randle is the actual preference for the Timberwolves.
Gobert remains under a three-year, $109.5 million extension that runs through the 2027-28 season.
The trade interest flows in both directions. The Timberwolves have expressed strong interest in acquiring Celtics guard Derrick White, according to a report from Sam Amick of The Athletic. Minnesota is urgently searching for a malleable lead guard to pair with franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards. Boston’s active pursuit of Antetokounmpo complicates any secondary transaction involving White.
A blockbuster trade bringing Antetokounmpo to Boston likely requires a third team to absorb Jaylen Brown’s salary. These secondary conversations between Boston and Minnesota could establish the framework for a multi-team maneuver to clear the financial runway.