When the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert in the summer of 2022, the expectation was not only that he would bring his all-world defensive skills, but also provide benefits on the offensive end with screen-setting and lob dunk finishing.
The potential pick-and-roll combination of Gobert and D’Angelo Russell was seen as an aspect of the trade that would unlock Russell’s game and provide value for both D’Lo and the Wolves offense as a whole.
As the 2022-23 season went on, it became clear that Russell and Gobert were not on the same page and that a move needed to be made.