Rudy Gobert, one of the most decorated defensive players on the court, has become a point of contention for the Minnesota Timberwolves with his contract extension. The 4x DPOY brings immeasurable value to the roster. However, when it comes to the ledger books of the Wolves front office, things get a little tense. Gobert is set to earn $44 million this season and as per KSTP, there is “definite mutual interest” for the deal.

However, the Wolves are already above the second apron by $17 million. So, a maximum extension can bring the financial management of the Wolves down to the knees. Yet the Wolves president of basketball operations shocked everyone with an update on the 32-year-old center.

Since the rumor mill is already floating with the narrative of mutual interest, KSTP confirmed it with Tim Connelly directly. The basketball operations president for the Wolves responded, “We like Rudy for a really long time, so we love his age, and he’s been a friend for a long time, and one of the best guys in the league. And certainly our goal with most of these guys is to keep them here as long as they want to be here.” With the claims that Connelly made, the extension seems like a sure thing. However, next year, if Rudy Gobert accepts the player option on his five-year $205 million current contract, he might earn more than $46 million.

And the problems will get worse. The only way out of it is Rudy Gobert reducing his contract amount after the peak he’ll hit during the 2025-26 season financially. Also, he’ll be 33 years old next year, so betting on a veteran max would be an absolute blunder, as the chances of Gobert’s injury will increase.

Yet amid all of the troubles, it seems the Wolves front office wants to get everything together as Connelly added, “Ideally, I think continuity is one of the better strengths we’re going to have going into the season, and we really like our core group.”

With the Timberwolves president so optimistic on one end about Rudy Gobert’s extension, an NBA legend might not see eye to eye on the issue on the other end!

Rudy Gobert’s extension might stir the Shaquille O’Neal hate for the 4x DPOY!

Shaquille O’Neal has always been critical of the big men of the league. Recently, his biggest target has Rudy Gobert. During an interview with Complex a couple of days ago, Big Shamrock named Rudy Gobert as the worst NBA player of all time, along with Ben Simmons. It was not like he was questioning the abilities and skills of the Wolves star. Rather Shaq thinks that these players have not lived up to expectations of the contract they these players have signed.

However, the 2x NBA All-Star decided to give it back, this time to the NBA legend. “It is sad to see someone that has accomplished as much as you did, Shaqboth in sport and business, still be triggered by another man’s finances and accomplishments. I get the entertainment part but unlike other folks, you don’t need that stuff to stay relevant, “ Gobert responded on X to the Diesel.

The controversy has not gone further yet, as Shaq hasn’t given any reply to Rudy. But after the statement from the Timberwolves president, the Wolves star might get to hear another jibe from 8x All-NBA for his remark!