Report: Timberwolves, Rudy Gobert have 'mutual interest' in extension

Gobert has a player option after next season.

May 30, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) passes during the first quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports / Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most interesting storylines this summer could be the contract of Rudy Gobert.

Gobert, an 11-year NBA veteran who turns 32 later this month, is due to make $43 million next season before he has the ability to accept or decline a player option worth $46 million ahead of the 2025-26 season.

According to KSTP-TV's Darren Wolfson, Gobert and the Timberwolves have "mutual interest" in working out a contract extension.

"Will they extend Rudy Gobert in July? I'm told there's mutual interest on that front, so when thinking about the books a year out, that's one thing the Wolves could do," Wolfson said Thursday on Minnesota Sports with Mackey & Judd.

"Rudy, don't exercise your player option, let's rip that up, let's extend you," Wolfson continued, speaking from the team's perspective. "You can structure the contract to save some money short term. Hey, Rudy would love to have some security, ages 33, 34, perhaps even his age-35 season."

Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks en route to winning his fourth career Defensive Player of the Year award and helping Minnesota become the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA in 2023-24.