GOBERT GOES TO MINNESOTA!

The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired center Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz for forward Jarred Vanderbilt, guard Patrick Beverley, center Walker Kessler, guard/forward Malik Beasley, guard Leandro Bolmaro, a first-round draft pick in 2023, a first-round draft pick in 2025, a first-round draft pick in 2027, a protected first-round draft pick in 2029 and the right to swap first-round draft picks in 2026.

What does it give the Minnesota Timberwolves
In what might become the biggest trade of the NBA off-season, the Timberwolves decided to double up with big men by adding shot-blocking stud Gobert to a frontcourt that already featured Karl-Anthony Towns (who will move from center to power forward to accomodate Gobert's arrival). Gobert's defense and Towns' offense should be dominant features in Minnesota in 2022-23. With Anthony Edwards emerging as a superstar on the wing, the 'wolves have a chance to compete for an NBA championship.

What does it give the Utah Jazz
Change is in the air in Utah, who will have a new head coach (Will Hardy) in place next season as well as several new players. Two thirds of last season's starting frontcourt has been traded away (Royce O'Neale was traded to Brooklyn in a separate deal). Vanderbilt is the likely starter in O'Neale's place, while Kessler is a rookie with a similar game to Gobert's. Is he ready to become a starting center as a rookie? Beverley should provide great leadership skills, while Beasley and Bolmaro add depth on the wings.

Fantasy impact
Gobert was never a focal point on offense in Utah, and that should continue now that he is with the Timberwolves. Towns could be the big winner here, as his role becomes even more offense-oriented as the new power forward in Minnesota. Vanderbilt and Kessler have definitely improved their fantasy stock, too. Both should be late-round draft options in some yearly leagues. Both, especially Kessler, should be drafted in keeper formats. Beverley, Beasley and Bolmaro have negligible fantasy value at this time.