Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly felt the team needed another impact player to get to the next level, he told Michael Rand of the Minneapolis Star Tribune on a podcast.
Minnesota got French international Rudy Gobert with Patrick Beverley (now to Lakers), Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler and four first round picks to Utah.
The teams will also swap first round picks in 2026.
“We’re trying to redefine how the league views us. We knew we gave up a lot, but the hardest thing to find is elite talent and elite ‘happy’ talent is even harder to find,” Connelly said.
“It won’t be easy or seamless. I’m sure there will be some clunky moments initially. But we felt like we took a huge step forward with the acquisition of Rudy.”
Gobert added: “I’m excited to be playing with some very talented young players.
“Obviously KAT is a tremendous player and very unique, so I can’t even imagine all the things that we’re going to be able to do on the floor,” he said. “I don’t think there’s going to be another team that’s going to be able to bring to the table what we’re going to bring to the table.”
