Raptors perfect Rudy Gobert trade offer to Timberwolves for Jakob Poeltl upgrade

Following the Toronto Raptors’ elimination in the opening round of the NBA playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was obvious that the team needs to continue upgrading the roster in order to truly compete in the Eastern Conference. And in doing so, that could potentially lead the Raptors down a pathway to a potential Rudy Gobert trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

As of right now, there is no indication that the Timberwolves would even put their All-Defensive big man on the trade block, but heading into the offseason, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. In fact, Wolves insider Darren Wolfson recently mentioned that the Raptors have long had interest in a Rudy Gobert trade.

He also reiterated his belief that the Timberwolves will not truly become a contending team with Gobert playing such a central role. He mentioned other teams that would be interested in Gobert if the Wolves do decide to move on. The former first round pick has one more year on his current contract before coming up on a player option for the 2027-28 season.

Again, there is nothing concrete suggesting that the Wolves would put Gobert on the trade block this offseason, but that shouldn’t stop the Raptors from inquiring. And here’s what a potential deal could look like

Raptors trade offer for Rudy Gobert

When it comes to trades in the NBA, where most fans (and some media) fall short with their ideas is the fact that a deal needs to make sense for both sides. There has to be a reason for it. Teams aren’t going to dump their assets just because opposing fans want them too.

Seeing as how losing a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate will hurt the Wolves, there needs to be some incentive as to why they would deal with the Raptors. So here’s what a potential trade offer could look like.

Acquiring Gobert is going to cost multiple draft picks, but lucky for the Raptors they have a few at their disposal. The Raptors are set on becoming a contender in the East, so hoarding draft capital isn’t as attractive for them as it used to be. The organization has all of their first round picks from 2026-2032 at their disposal. As long as the request isn’t too unreasonable, the Raptors should be okay parting with a some picks.

The major hurdle then is the financial aspect. Gobert is due a little over $36 million next season, and then has a player option for $38 million in 2027-28. The Raptors need to make salary match and the Wolves aren’t just going to accept salary dumps.

The only player on the Raptors’ roster that makes sense lineup-wise for the Timberwolves and matches salary-wise is Immanuel Quickley. Quickley’s days with the Raptors appear to coming to an end, as per ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel, and the Wolves are in need of guard help especially with Donte DiVincenzo likely out for the entire year following the Achilles injury sustained in the playoffs.

With the Timberwolves in need of a starting point guard, Quickley can immediately slot in at the one. Although more of a combo guard, with Anthony Edwards continuing to develop his facilitating ability, both players can share ball-handling duties.

Quickley was battling a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the Raptors’ playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. But he was a very productive player during the regular season, starting all 70 games he played in at a little over 31 minutes per game.

He averaged 16.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.3 steals with splits of 44.3 percent shooting from the field, 37.4 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 82.1 percent shooting from the free-throw line. His assists per game was the second-highest mark of his career and he only turned the ball over 1.5 times.

Quickley does have significant salary guaranteed to him though over the next couple of years until he hits unrestricted free agency in the 2029 offseason. But in terms of fit and what the Wolves need, he isn’t a bad option should they decide to engage the Raptors in a potential Rudy Gobert trade.

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