Timberwolves and Rudy Gobert extend 3-year, $110 million contract: source

The Minnesota Timberwolves and star center Rudy Gobert have reached a three-year, $110 million contract extension, a team source said Tuesday.

Gobert entered the season with two years remaining on his current contract, including a $47 million player option in the 2025-26 season. Achieving this extension gives Gobert long-term security and the Wolves have much more salary cap flexibility by waiving this option for a significantly lower salary next season.

Gobert's decision gives the Timberwolves the financial wherewithal to retain sixth man of the year Naz Reid, who could be a free agent next summer, and possibly even valuable backup Nickeil Alexander-Walker. It reflects Gobert's affinity for the organization and the market, a place he settled into after a rocky first season two years ago.

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Rudy Gobert's path to history was paved in Minnesota

Gobert bounced back from a disappointing 2022-23 debut season in Minnesota by resuming his defensive form around the world and leading the Timberwolves to No. 1 in the defensive rankings last season. He earned his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award, the highest honor in NBA history, and helped the Wolves reach the Western Conference Finals for the second time in franchise history.

Gobert won over fans as a sophomore. They grew to appreciate the little things he does to impact victory and the pride he takes in representing the franchise.

Gobert is a proud player who has had a great season, so it could have been a difficult negotiation. But he turned 32 in June and the Wolves had to find a way to keep him while making room for Reid. Gobert's willingness to take the number he made opens the door wide.

It also gives the Wolves additional flexibility to continue building the young core of Reid, Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels.

Gobert is in his third season with Minnesota. He averaged 14.0 points and 12.9 rebounds in 76 regular-season games last season. In the playoffs, Gobert averaged 12.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in 15 games.

ESPN was first to report news of the extension.

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(Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski / Imagn Images)