Heading into the summer of 2022, there were some glaring holes in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ roster. Paint defense and rebounding were among the largest problem areas, both of which came to light against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.
Players such as JaVale McGee and Nerlens Noel were floated around as potential cost-effective targets for the Timberwolves to pursue without changing the construct of the roster. After all, the team did just come off one of the most magical seasons in franchise history. However, newly hired President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly instead transformed the roster just under two months after signing with the team as he sent five players and five first-round picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.