Even if the Timberwolves thrive for years because of Rudy Gobert, their trade for him will never be considered thievery. They gave up too much in the deal for that. They'll settle for Gobert playing well, as he is now, even if the long-term price they paid proves to be high.
The Wolves made another deal involving the Utah Jazz last year, a deal requiring no such patience or qualification.
On Feb. 9, 2023, the Timberwolves engineered a three-way trade. They dealt point guard D'Angelo Russell, who was shooting extremely well at the time, for veteran point guard Mike Conley and reserve Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and also got three second-round picks.